AAP Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj Alleges Irregularities in MCD Mayor Election Process

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has written a letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena regarding the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayor election scheduled for April 26, 2023. In the letter, Bhardwaj alleges that Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar has circumvented the elected government in the appointment of the presiding officer for the mayoral polls.

Bhardwaj, who serves as the Urban Development Minister, claims that the file related to appointing the presiding officer should have been routed through his ministry. However, he alleges that the Chief Secretary deliberately sent the file directly to the Chief Minister's office, despite knowing that CM Arvind Kejriwal is currently in judicial custody. Bhardwaj has requested the LG to return the file to the Chief Secretary with instructions to send it through the Ministry of Urban Development.

The AAP minister has also sought appropriate action against the Chief Secretary for his "deliberate and repeated misconduct" in circumventing the elected government. Bhardwaj cites a Supreme Court judgment that directs the Chief Secretary to comply with the elected government's directions on matters within their executive competence.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given its approval to conduct the MCD mayoral polls on April 26, despite the Model Code of Conduct being in place for the Lok Sabha elections. However, uncertainty looms over the election as the LG's office is yet to appoint a presiding officer. Many civic body officials believe the polls could be postponed due to this prevailing uncertainty.

The AAP has fielded Mahesh Khichi for the post of mayor and Ravinder Bhardwaj for deputy mayor, while the BJP has nominated Kishan Lal and Neeta Bisht for the respective positions. The Congress, with 9 members in the 250-member MCD House, has announced its support for the AAP candidates.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the MCD mayor election process highlights the ongoing power struggle between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led central government. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the governance of the national capital.

As the uncertainty over the appointment of the presiding officer continues, civic body officials express doubts about the mayoral polls being held as scheduled on April 26. Bhardwaj's letter to the LG alleges a "conspiracy" to bypass the elected government and accuses the Chief Secretary of repeatedly undermining the AAP administration's authority. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the MCD mayoral election will proceed as planned or face further delays due to the ongoing administrative tussle.

Key Takeaways

• AAP minister alleges Delhi CS bypassed elected govt in appointing MCD mayor poll presiding officer
• Bhardwaj seeks LG's intervention to route file through Urban Development Ministry as per SC judgment
• ECI approved MCD mayoral polls on Apr 26 but uncertainty looms over appointment of presiding officer
• AAP has fielded Khichi for mayor, Bhardwaj for deputy; BJP nominated Lal and Bisht respectively
• Controversy highlights power struggle between AAP govt and BJP-led center; election outcome crucial