Battle for Delhi: BJP and Congress Vie for Mayor's Role as AAP Stays Out

The battle for control over the Municipal Corporation of Delhi intensified as the BJP and Congress filed nominations for top positions on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party opted out of the contest for the second consecutive year. BJP candidate Pravesh Wahi from Ward 53, Rohini-East, submitted his nomination for the mayoral race, with Monika Pant from Ward 206, Anand Vihar, eyeing the deputy mayor's seat.

This year's mayoral election will be decided by an electoral college of 273 votes, which includes 249 councillors, 14 MLAs nominated by the Delhi Assembly, and 10 members of Parliament. With 137 votes needed for a win, the BJP holds a strategic edge, commanding 141 votes, thanks to their councillors, Lok Sabha MPs, and MLAs.

Sitting mayor Raja Iqbal Singh and other notable figures were present during the submissions. The elections, aimed at addressing Delhi's civic issues such as waste management and infrastructure, are scheduled for April 29, during the MCD House meeting. Monika Pant emphasized women's representation, while the AAP announced Ankush Narang's reappointment as Leader of the Opposition.