BJP sweeps MCD poll, Raja Iqbal Singh elected as Delhi’s new mayor

Raja Iqbal Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was elected as the new Mayor of Delhi on Friday, sparking celebrations among party councillors. Singh defeated Congress candidate Mandeep Singh in what was widely seen as a one-sided contest.

With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) boycotting the election and the Congress reduced to a marginal presence, the BJP was expected to secure the civic posts with ease. The result further strengthens the party’s hold over Delhi, through its influence in the Centre, the nominated MLAs in the Delhi Assembly, and now the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Singh previously served as Leader of the Opposition in the MCD and was also the former Mayor of the erstwhile North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

Speaking after his victory, Singh outlined his priorities: “Our main objective is to improve Delhi’s sanitation system, eliminate the garbage mounds, resolve waterlogging issues, and ensure all basic amenities are provided to the residents. We are committed to working together with complete dedication.”

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Ahead of the vote, Singh had expressed confidence in the BJP’s mandate: “The people of Delhi have entrusted us with the responsibility of addressing the city’s issues. AAP has already conceded defeat. We will root out corruption and complete the development work that has been stalled for the past two years.”

The MCD currently comprises 238 members, with 12 seats vacant due to councillors having been elected to the Delhi Assembly or Lok Sabha. Out of 250 seats, the BJP now holds 117, up from 104 in 2022. AAP’s tally has fallen from 134 to 113, while the Congress remains with just eight seats.

Given AAP’s absence from the mayoral race, the BJP’s victory had been a foregone conclusion.

The electoral college for the mayoral election included 238 councillors, 10 Members of Parliament (seven from the Lok Sabha and three from the Rajya Sabha), and 14 MLAs. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta nominated 11 BJP and 3 AAP MLAs to participate in the vote.