Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will not take part in today’s election to fill the sixth seat in the Delhi civic body’s Standing Committee, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Friday. Speaking to reporters, Sisodia pointed out that the House had been adjourned till October 5 by Mayor Shelly Oberoi, rendering the election scheduled for 1 pm moot.
This development continues the ongoing tensions between AAP and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena, with the latest standoff emerging over the timing of the vote. On Thursday night, Mr Saxena had insisted the election be held at 10 pm, but AAP refused, citing the short notice and the fact that many councillors had already gone home.
“Nothing Today”
Sisodia reiterated that there would be “nothing today” as per Mayor Oberoi’s adjournment order. Mayor Oberoi had earlier written to the MCD Commissioner stating that the scheduled election was “unconstitutional and illegal.”However, LG Saxena overruled the Mayor’s decision, instructing that the election should still take place, with the Deputy Mayor overseeing proceedings if necessary.
Dispute Over the Standing Committee Seat
The Standing Committee plays a critical role in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), especially in financial decisions. At present, it consists of three AAP members and two BJP members, with the sixth seat crucial for breaking the tie. The vacancy arose after Kamaljeet Sehrawat from the BJP quit, following her election to the Lok Sabha.
AAP has accused the LG and BJP of attempting to tilt the balance of power in the committee by rushing the election. In response, the BJP has demanded that the seat be filled in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives and has warned of filing a contempt petition against AAP and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal if the election is delayed.
