The political temperature in the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has risen ahead of the upcoming mayoral and deputy mayoral elections scheduled for April 25th. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently holds a numerical advantage in terms of councilors, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is strategizing for a comeback.
MCD Mayor Election: The MCD is conducting elections for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions on April 25th. These elections are considered politically significant, especially given the increase in BJP's strength to 119 councilors following the resignations and defections of several AAP councilors.
According to a notice issued by the MCD Secretariat on Friday, the corporation's general meeting will be held on April 25th, with elections for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions commencing at 2 PM.
AAP's Landslide Victory in 2022
In the 2022 MCD elections, AAP won 134 out of 250 wards, securing a majority. BJP secured 104 seats, and Congress won 9. However, subsequent political defections have drastically altered the equation. Following the joining of three AAP councilors to the BJP in February 2025, the BJP's strength increased to 119 councilors.
According to the MCD Secretariat, the nomination process will begin on April 15th and continue until April 21st. The mayoral and deputy mayoral elections will be held on April 25th at 2 PM. While the BJP appears to have a numerical advantage, AAP is relying on its loyalists and strategic planning.
BJP's Numerical Superiority or Strategic Defeat?
Names like Raja Iqbal Singh, Yogesh Verma, and Sandeep Kapoor are being discussed for the mayoral position from the BJP. The party aims to field a candidate with a b organizational and regional base. Meanwhile, AAP sources suggest the party may characterize this election as a "theft of mandate" and strategize to present it as a "democratic fight" before the public. The party will soon hold a detailed meeting with its councilors to decide on the candidate and strategy.
Nominated Members Could Be Kingmakers
Nominated members of parliament and legislators also have voting rights in the Delhi Municipal Corporation mayoral and deputy mayoral elections. Therefore, voting against party lines or abstaining could influence the election results. AAP is preparing to be in full force on voting day, taking this possibility into account.
