AAP-Congress combine to challenge BJP in MCD mayoral polls.
New Delhi: With the BJP currently holding a majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress have joined hands to contest the upcoming Mayoral elections on April 26th.
The Congress Delhi unit announced its support to AAP candidates for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts to prevent the BJP from retaining power in the civic body.
AAP has nominated Dev Nagar councillor Mahesh Khichi as its candidate for Mayor, recognizing the post is reserved for the SC category this time. Ravinder Bhardwaj, a two-term councillor from Aman Vihar ward, will contest for Deputy Mayor.
Both leaders filed their nominations last week. The BJP has fielded Kishan Lal and Neeta Bisht for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions.
The opposition combine’s decision comes amid the ongoing political crisis triggered by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations against Lt Governor VK Saxena. It also aims to check the saffron party, which has a majority of 104 of 272 MCD wards.
AAP and Congress had also joined hands earlier in the Chandigarh municipal polls, helping an AAP candidate win the Mayor’s post with their support after the Supreme Court quashed initial results.
The MCD has sought the Election Commission’s nod for polls while following Model Code amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with AAP-Congress hoping their alliance manages an upset.
