Delhi BJP President Criticizes AAP Over Postponed MCD Elections, Cites Disservice to Dalit Community

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva criticized the AAP for delaying the MCD Standing Committee election, accusing them of undermining democratic values and attempting to strip the rights of the Dalit community. The postponed elections, initially scheduled, were rescheduled following AAP's protests and the Lt Governor's intervention.

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva has criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for postponing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Standing Committee election, alleging that AAP is attempting to deprive the Dalit community of its rightful representation. Sachdeva stated that AAP, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, has been undermining democratic processes for the past two years.

'You won the election and formed the government; you have the majority, yet you are not allowing the MCD Standing Committee elections to take place. This year, a Dalit mayor is due to be elected, and they are trying to take away the rights of Dalits. Why are you running away from elections? They don't trust their councillors,' he said.

Sachdeva further emphasized that the use of mobile phones is prohibited in any polls, questioning AAP's insistence on allowing mobile phones during the voting process. The election was postponed after a house meeting was adjourned following AAP councillors' protest against the mobile phone ban. The MCD Commissioner has rescheduled the election for September 27 at 1 pm.

Lt Governor V K Saxena ordered that the election arrangements be made and a report on the conduct be submitted by 10:00 pm on September 26. If the Mayor or Deputy Mayor are unavailable to preside, the senior-most member is to take charge. Despite objections from the Mayor, the Lt Governor emphasized the election's importance for municipal functions.

The election will proceed on September 27, with Jitender Yadav, Additional Commissioner, serving as the Returning Officer. The entire process will be video-recorded, and mobile phones and electronic gadgets will be prohibited inside the voting hall to ensure ballot secrecy.

(With inputs from agencies.)