Delhi Mayor Initiates Long-Delayed Standing Committee Election

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the Municipal Secretary to start the election process for the Standing Committee, which has been delayed for over 1.5 years. This comes after a Supreme Court ruling on the appointment of aldermen. The AAP and BJP have been at odds over the issue.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has instructed Municipal Secretary Siva Prasad KV to commence the long-awaited election process for the formation of the Standing Committee, which has been stalled for over 1.5 years.

This directive follows a Supreme Court order concerning the appointment of aldermen. Oberoi's order mandates the election of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Wards Committee, and one member from each of the 12 MCD zones to the Standing Committee.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition BJP have clashed over the issue, leading to a legal battle. Amidst a prolonged political deadlock, the Supreme Court upheld the Lt. Governor's authority to appoint 10 aldermen, a point of contention for the AAP fearing BJP's undue influence. The directive marks a significant move towards resolving the impasse, pending for over one and a half years.

(With inputs from agencies.)