Delhi Mayoral Elections: Congress Boycotts, Demands Full-Term For Dalit Mayor

The Delhi Congress announced its decision to boycott the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayoral elections, which are being held today for both the mayor and deputy mayor positions. The party's primary demand is for the newly elected Dalit mayor to serve a full one-year term instead of a shortened term that would conclude in April 2025.

Congress Calls for Full-Year Tenure

Congress leaders have stated that they will attend the House session but abstain from voting to press for a full tenure. "We want the Dalit mayor to get a full one-year term, not just four months," a Congress councillor, speaking anonymously, told PTI. The new mayor will represent the Dalit community, as outlined by MCD's rotational system for mayoral elections. Under this system, the position rotates annually over a five-year term, with specific categories for each year, including one reserved term for a Dalit mayor.

MCD House Composition and AAP's Dominance

The MCD House, with its 250 elected councillors, has a clear AAP majority following the party's December 2022 victory, which ended the BJP's 15-year tenure in the civic body. The AAP, which also governs Delhi, has nominated Devnagar councillor Mahesh Khichi for mayor and Aman Vihar councillor Ravinder Bharadwaj for deputy mayor. The BJP has fielded Kishan Lal and Nita Bisht for the mayor and deputy mayor roles, respectively.

Context and Past Mayoral Elections

This election marks the third mayoral poll since AAP assumed control of the MCD. The outgoing mayor and deputy, Shelly Oberoi and Aaley Mohammed Iqbal have held office since February 2023. Due to political disputes between AAP and BJP, the mayoral elections, which were initially scheduled for April, were delayed until now.

The Congress's stance highlights its push for more consistent representation and term stability within the MCD, particularly for reserved categories. As voting proceeds, the party's boycott introduces a notable dynamic to the election process, especially given AAP's substantial hold over the House.