AAP Withdraws from MCD Mayor Elections Before Completing its Term; Speculations of Defeat or Internal Rift Intensify.
Delhi MCD Elections 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has distanced itself from the upcoming Mayor elections in Delhi (MCD) even before completing its five-year term in power. This decision has raised several questions: Did the party concede defeat, or was this a strategic move to avoid internal conflict? AAP's earlier rapid political rise now seems to be facing a significant setback.
MCD's Shifting Power Dynamics
AAP contested the MCD Elections for the first time in 2017, initially forming the opposition. However, they came to power in 2022. Despite this, attempts at centralizing power and delays in forming committees hampered development work, leading to visible public discontent.
The Failure to Establish a Standing Committee
Under the Zonal Governance structure, the MCD comprises 12 zones and several Standing Committees were to be formed. However, even after a year and a half, only ward committee chairpersons have been elected. The formation of special committees and the Standing Committee remains pending, hindering development projects and fostering internal party dissatisfaction.
Councillor Defections and Growing Party Anxiety
Over the past two years, more than 15 AAP councillors have defected to the BJP. The party feared that if they contested the elections and failed to nominate candidates, more councillors might rebel. This fear led to the decision to withdraw from the elections.
Disruptive Municipal House Meetings
More than 30 Municipal House Meetings have been held in the last three years, but most were marred by disruptions. Discussions on development issues failed to materialize, and solutions to the councillors' funding issues remained elusive. Even with Shaili Oberoi serving two terms as Mayor, meetings failed to proceed smoothly.
Comparison of Party's Position in 2022 and 2025
- In 2022, AAP held 134 councillors; this number has decreased to 113.
- BJP's strength increased from 104 to 117.
- Congress saw a minor decline, from 9 to 8 councillors.
