AAP Opts Out of Delhi Mayoral Polls, Citing BJP's Majority and Undemocratic Tactics

 New Delhi, April 21, 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared it will not field candidates for the upcoming Delhi mayoral and standing committee elections scheduled for April 25, 2025, in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The decision, announced by senior AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, comes amid claims of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “undemocratic tactics” and a shift in MCD numbers following defections.

AAP, which won the MCD elections in December 2022 with 134 of 250 wards, now holds 115 councillors, equal to the BJP, due to defections, assembly poll wins, and a councillor becoming an MP. The BJP’s voting strength is bolstered by seven Lok Sabha MPs, 11 MLAs, and nominated members, giving it an edge in the mayoral polls. AAP leaders accused the BJP of orchestrating defections, with former Chief Minister Atishi alleging that the BJP “threatened and paid” AAP councillors to switch sides, undermining the MCD mandate.

“We have decided not to field an AAP candidate in the Mayor’s elections. The BJP should elect its own Mayor and form its standing committee without excuses,” said Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj, emphasizing that the BJP’s “triple-engine government” at the Centre, state, and now MCD should deliver for Delhiites. Atishi added that AAP will play a “strong and vigilant Opposition” in the MCD, focusing on public welfare.

The BJP has named Raja Iqbal Singh, the current Leader of Opposition in the MCD, as its mayoral candidate, with Jai Bhagwan Yadav contesting for deputy mayor. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta claimed AAP’s withdrawal stems from “fear of defeat,” while social media posts reflect BJP’s confidence in securing a “triple-engine government.”

AAP’s decision follows its significant loss in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where it secured only 22 of 70 seats, compared to the BJP’s 48. The party also highlighted past BJP interference, including alleged manipulation during ward delimitation and halting MCD elections, which they claim enabled the BJP’s current majority.

The MCD’s ordinary meeting on April 25 will conduct the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections, with nominations closing today. The current AAP Mayor, Mahesh Kumar Khichi, and Deputy Mayor, Ravinder Bharadwaj, will conclude their terms. AAP’s move signals a strategic retreat, redirecting efforts to opposition oversight as the BJP aims to consolidate control over Delhi’s civic body.Note: For the latest updates, refer to trusted sources like The Indian Express or Business Standard, as some social media claims remain unverified.