MCD mayoral poll nominations to begin this week, voting on April 29

The nomination filing process for the mayoral election of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to begin this week, with the last date set for April 23 and the poll likely on April 29, officials said.

The nomination process is likely to begin from Thursday, with the election to pick the mayor, deputy mayor and three vacant standing committee seats likely on April 29, they said.

The mayoral post in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) follows a rotational system of five one-year terms – beginning with a seat reserved for women, followed by general, reserved and two general category terms. This year’s election marks the fifth term under the current cycle.

Last year, the AAP stayed away from the mayoral election, a move that helped the BJP win the poll without any opposition.

In the first three terms, AAP councillors held both the mayor and deputy mayor’s posts. In the fourth term, BJP councillor from Mukherjee Nagar, Raja Iqbal Singh, secured the mayor’s post after AAP boycotted the election, helping the BJP return to power in the civic body after a two-year gap.

The electoral college for this year’s mayoral election comprises 273 votes, including 249 councillors, 14 MLAs nominated by the Delhi Assembly, seven Lok Sabha MPs and three Rajya Sabha members. A candidate will need 137 votes to secure victory.

Going by current numbers, the BJP holds an edge with 141 votes, including 123 councillors, seven Lok Sabha MPs and 11 MLAs.

The AAP has 106 votes, consisting of 100 councillors, three Rajya Sabha members and three MLAs.

The remaining votes include Congress (nine), Indraprastha Vikas Party (15), the All India Forward Bloc (one) and an Independent member, along with one vacant seat.