Farhad Suri elected Mayor, promises to usher in era of transparency

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Farhad Suri of the Congress today assumed the post of the new Mayor of Delhi with the promise of ushering in an era of transparency in the working of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and resolving to strive for a "politics of consensus" to help resolve the crisis confronting the people of the capital.

Farhad Suri was elected the Mayor of Delhi with an overwhelming margin, bagging 107 valid votes as against nil votes secured by his opponent, BJP Councillor Savita Gupta.

The election was, however, marred by protests from the supporters of Congress Councillor Ramesh Dutta who has criticised the nomination of Mr Suri for the post of the first citizen of Delhi alleging that he was involved in a attempt to murder case. The supporters of Mr Dutta sat on a dharna outside the MCD House protesting against Mr Suri's nomination since he was involved in a murder attempt on Mr Dutta in 1998, for which an FIR has also been filed. The next hearing of the case is scheduled next month.

Mr Ramesh Dutta, however, voted for Mr Suri, a decision he said he had taken on the 'directions' of Congress high command.

All BJP members of the MCD House also walked out in protest against Mr Suri's candidature despite his name figured in a criminal case.

Municipal councillor Anita Babbar of the Congress was elected for the post of Deputy Mayor. Dr Anita Babbar got 101 votes while her opponent, BJP's Surendra Singh, got just 15 votes.

Also declared elected to the Standing Committee were Mr Mukesh Goel (Congress), Leader of Opposition in the Committee Vijender Gupta and Mr Sanjay Puri (Congress).

In his brief address to the MCD House after his election as Mayor, Mr Suri said as the first Citizen of Delhi, his priority would be to usher in transparency in the administration so that there was no delay in developmental works and projects being implemented by the MCD.

''As the Mayor, my endeavour would be to ensure that all the money that is collected by way of house tax and other revenues is spent for the benefit of the public,''Mr Suri said.

Expressing the hope that the crisis arising in Delhi due to the sealing of shops in residential areas, as per order of the Apex court, would be resolved soon, the new Mayor said he would seek the cooperation of all members cutting across party lines to solve the problems confronting the people.

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