New Delhi – The political climate in Delhi’s Municipal Corporation (MCD) has reached a boiling point after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a floor test, citing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) no longer holds a majority. This development sparked Ruckus in MCD House, with allegations, defections, and heated exchanges dominating recent proceedings. The BJP’s growing numbers in the civic body have raised questions about governance and the upcoming mayoral elections.
AAP Loses Majority in MCD
The AAP’s troubles began when three of its councillors defected to the BJP, tipping the balance of power in the 250-member MCD. Anita Basoya (Andrews Ganj), Nikhil Chaprana (Hari Nagar), and Dharamvir Singh (RK Puram) joined the BJP, citing their admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision for development. This move reduced AAP’s strength to 114 councillors, while the BJP surged ahead with 116 members, becoming the single largest party in the MCD.
The defections are part of a series of political shifts that have plagued AAP since November 2024 and created a ruckus in MCD today. These developments come on the heels of BJP’s decisive victory in Delhi’s assembly elections earlier this year, further consolidating its position across governance levels in Delhi.
BJP’s Call for a Triple-Engine Government
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the defecting councillors and emphasized the concept of a “triple-engine government” — BJP-led governance at the Centre, state, and municipal levels. He argued that such alignment would accelerate development projects stalled under AAP’s tenure and transform Delhi into a world-class city.
Sachdeva stated, “Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is progressing towards becoming a developed nation. Delhi needs to align with this vision to overcome years of confusion and corruption under AAP’s rule.”
Ruckus in MCD House
The monthly meeting of the MCD on March 17 witnessed chaos as BJP councillors demanded a vote on agenda items, asserting that AAP’s minority status should be addressed. The session saw dramatic scenes, including BJP members climbing onto the Well of the House, breaking microphones, and tearing agenda papers which as a result, created Ruckus in MCD house. In response, AAP Mayor Mahesh Kumar adjourned the meeting after passing agenda items amidst loud protests.
AAP councillors countered by accusing BJP of failing to deliver on its election promises, such as providing financial assistance to women and free gas cylinders by stipulated deadlines.
Leader of Opposition Demands Mayor’s Resignation
Leader of Opposition Raja Iqbal Singh demanded Mayor Mahesh Kumar’s resignation on moral grounds, arguing that AAP no longer has public support or majority control in MCD. Singh stated, “Without majority support in the House, the Mayor has no ethical right to continue in office.”
This sentiment reflects growing pressure on AAP to acknowledge its diminished standing within MCD.
Implications for Mayoral Elections
The upcoming mayoral elections scheduled for April are poised to be a critical juncture for both parties and a major reason for ruckus in MCD house. The electoral college for these elections includes 250 elected councillors, 10 MPs (7 Lok Sabha and 3 Rajya Sabha), and 14 MLAs nominated based on party strength in Delhi’s Assembly. With BJP holding an advantage due to its increased numbers in both MCD and Assembly seats, it is likely to secure key positions unless cross-voting or unexpected alliances occur.
Historically, mayoral elections have been closely contested. For instance, AAP narrowly won last year’s delayed mayoral polls by securing 133 votes against BJP’s 130 despite initial projections favoring BJP.
AAP’s Declining Numbers: Timeline of Defections
The decline in AAP’s numbers began with defections over two years following its victory in the 2022 municipal polls:
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2022 Municipal Elections: AAP won 134 seats; BJP secured 104 seats.
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January 2025: Ram Chander from Shahbaad Dairy defected to BJP.
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February 2025: Anita Basoya, Nikhil Chaprana, and Dharamvir Singh joined BJP.
These defections have culminated in AAP losing its majority status and gave a point to BJP for creating a ruckus in MCD house.
BJP’s Vision for Development
BJP has outlined ambitious plans for Delhi under its leadership. Sachdeva emphasized completing stalled development projects from the past decade and implementing new initiatives aligned with PM Modi’s vision for a progressive India. He added that voters are increasingly recognizing BJP as a viable alternative to AAP’s governance model.
AAP Faces Criticism Over Governance
Critics argue that AAP’s tenure in MCD has been marked by inefficiency and unfulfilled promises. Issues such as sanitation delays and lack of infrastructure development have fueled dissatisfaction among residents. The party now faces an uphill battle to regain trust ahead of mayoral elections.
Also Read: Delhi Vidhan Sabha Model Assembly: Om Birla’s Bold Vision 2025
Closing Remarks on the Ruckus in MCD House
The political turmoil in Delhi’s MCD underscores the shifting dynamics between the AAP and BJP, revealing the fragile nature of governance in the national capital. With recent defections tipping the scales in favor of the BJP and the crucial mayoral elections approaching, the political battleground has intensified, raising concerns about administrative stability. The uncertainty surrounding leadership in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) directly impacts governance, urban development, and public service delivery. As both parties prepare for yet another electoral showdown, residents are left to contemplate the consequences of these changes on their city’s development trajectory.
This ongoing ruckus in MCD house highlights deeper ideological and strategic differences between the AAP and BJP. The AAP, which has prided itself on governance reforms and anti-corruption measures, now faces the challenge of maintaining its political foothold amidst defections and shifting loyalties. On the other hand, the BJP, which has held significant control over the MCD for years before AAP’s victory in the 2022 civic polls, is determined to reclaim authority. The upcoming elections will not only determine who governs the MCD but also serve as a litmus test for both parties ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
For Delhi’s residents, this political instability translates into delays in policy implementation, disrupted civic services, and an overall sense of uncertainty. Key issues such as waste management, infrastructure projects, sanitation, and public welfare programs remain in limbo as the political battle intensifies. While both parties continue their strategies to consolidate power, the people of Delhi await a resolution that prioritizes governance over political maneuvering.
Ultimately, the outcome of this political battle will shape the capital’s governance framework in the coming years. Whether it leads to improved administrative efficiency or further deepens political gridlock remains to be seen.
