The Aam Aadmi Party has taken decisive action by suspending three MCD councillors following allegations of cross-voting during crucial ward committee elections, strengthening BJP's grip on the civic body.

Key Takeaways

  • Three AAP councillors—Nirmala Devi, Krishna Devi Raghav, and Sultana Abad—have been suspended.
  • The suspensions follow allegations of cross-voting during ward committee polls.
  • BJP has secured dominance in 10 out of 12 ward committees.
  • The BJP's strength in the 18-member Standing Committee has increased to 12 members.

In a major disciplinary crackdown, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suspended three Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) councillors with immediate effect. The decision follows allegations of cross-voting during the recent ward committee elections, an event that has significantly shifted the political landscape within the civic body.

Details of the Suspension

Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj announced the move on X, identifying the suspended members as Nirmala Devi (Sharma) and Krishna Devi Raghav from the West Zone, and Sultana Abad from the City SP Zone. The party alleges that these councillors acted against the party's mandate, facilitating victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in key positions.

A Shift in Power Dynamics

The ward committee elections have resulted in a massive strategic win for the BJP. The saffron party managed to clinch the chairperson posts in 10 out of the 12 ward committees. More importantly, the BJP has fortified its position in the 18-member Standing Committee, now commanding 12 seats compared to AAP's shrinking tally of six. This shift grants the BJP substantial control over the administrative and financial decisions of the MCD.

Party Discipline and Mandate

Ankush Narang, the AAP leader of opposition in the MCD, issued a stern warning, stating that any "betrayal of the mandate and the party will not be tolerated." He emphasized that political battles are fought by the collective strength of the party rather than individuals. The suspension serves as a clear signal that AAP intends to maintain strict internal discipline to prevent further electoral defections and organizational erosion.