In a strategic political turn, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided not to contest the upcoming MCD mayoral elections, paving the way for the BJP to assert control over Delhi’s civic body. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva on Monday announced Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh as the party’s mayoral candidate and Jai Bhagwan Yadav for deputy mayor.
Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh is a former mayor of North Delhi Municipal Corporation and currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the MCD. Jai Bhagwan Yadav is a two-time councillor. The BJP believes both leaders will strengthen urban governance in the capital.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the party is withdrawing from the mayoral race to focus on public service. Currently, AAP holds 142 votes in the MCD, compared to BJP’s 122. AAP’s exit gives BJP a clear pathway to victory and strengthens its narrative of building a “triple engine government” — governance at the Centre, state, and civic levels.
