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The political landscape of Delhi took a turn as Aam Aadmi Party's Mahesh Khinchi was elected as the new Mayor of the city, marking a significant victory for the ruling party. Khinchi, a councillor representing the Dev Nagar ward in Karol Bagh, secured the position after a closely contested election against BJP's Kishan Pal. He secured 133 votes, edging out Pal who received 130 votes. This win makes Khinchi the first Dalit to hold the office of Mayor in Delhi's history, highlighting a potential shift in the city's political dynamics.
The election was marred by chaos and disruption, with Congress members staging a walkout in protest against the shortened term of the new Mayor. Their objection stemmed from the fact that the election, originally scheduled for April, was repeatedly postponed, resulting in a five-month term for the newly elected Mayor. They argued that a full one-year tenure would have been more appropriate, especially for the first Dalit mayor. However, their protest was further complicated by the resignation of Congress members Mohammad Khushnood and his wife Sabila Begum, who decided to support the AAP candidate despite the party's stance. Begum cited her disapproval of the walkout as a key factor behind her decision, believing it would only benefit the BJP.
The BJP, despite having 120 members, managed to garner only 130 votes, prompting them to accuse AAP members of cross-voting. Their statement claimed that eight AAP councillors voted in favor of the BJP, while two votes were declared invalid. This alleged instance of cross-voting, according to the BJP, highlighted a lack of unity within AAP and a potential erosion of support for Arvind Kejriwal. The party's statement concluded by declaring that Kejriwal no longer had the moral right to remain the convenor of AAP, further intensifying the political drama unfolding in Delhi.
The election of the Deputy Mayor was also noteworthy. AAP's Ravindra Bhardwaj was elected unopposed to the post after his opponent, BJP's Neeta Bisht, withdrew her nomination at the last minute. This uncontested victory added to the AAP's triumph in the mayoral elections. However, the tension surrounding the elections, the walkouts, and accusations of cross-voting highlight the deep political divisions that exist in Delhi. The five-month tenure of the new Mayor is likely to be marked by political maneuvering and competition as the various parties seek to solidify their positions and influence in the city's administration.
Source: AAP Councillor Mahesh Khinchi Wins Delhi Mayor Election