In a strong denunciation on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi described the election conducted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the sixth member of the Delhi Municipal Corporation’s (MCD) Standing Committee as ‘illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic’.
During a press conference, Atishi asserted that the election process contravened multiple provisions established under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957 and the accompanying Procedure and Conduct of Business Regulations from 1958.
Atishi stated, “The Delhi MCD operates under laws passed by the Parliament, most notably the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, and its supporting regulations. Regulation 51 of Delhi Municipal Corporation Procedure and Conduct of Business Regulations 1958 clearly states that the election for the Standing Committee must take place in a corporation meeting presided over by the Mayor. Further, Regulation 3 (2) specifies that the date, time, and venue for such meetings can only decided by the Mayor, while Section 76 of the DMC Act reaffirms that the presiding officer for these meetings must be the Mayor or Deputy Mayor.”
Atishi further claimed that the election was flawed as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) permitted the election to proceed and an IAS officer, who lacked the requisite authority, convened the meeting instead of the elected Mayor.
She asserted, “Contrary to these legal provisions, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) granted permission for the election, and an IAS officer—lacking the authority to do so—convened the meeting.”
“Instead of the elected Mayor presiding over the proceedings, the IAS officer assumed the role of presiding officer, rendering the election both unconstitutional and unlawful,” she added.
CM Atishi Accuses BJP Of Ignoring Rules & Constitutional Principles
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of flouting established rules when not in power, disregarding constitutional principles.
She highlighted past instances where she believes the BJP has attempted to manipulate election outcomes, specifically referring to an alleged strategy dubbed ‘Operation Lotus’, which she claims involves enticing Opposition leaders to form governments through questionable means.
Atishi asserted that such tactics were also evident in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Manipur, and suggested that the BJP had similarly undermined fair electoral processes in the recent MCD elections.
“BJP refused to allow a fair mayoral election after AAP’s victory in the MCD, then the Supreme Court intervened to ensure a fair and transparent election,” she added.
In response to the recent MCD actions by the BJP, Atishi announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would challenge their legitimacy in the Supreme Court, filing an application concerning the ‘unconstitutional and illegal’ election.
Atishi declared, “This country is not governed by BJP’s rowdiness but by law and order. If BJP has courage, they should face AAP in a fair election. We will not tolerate the murder of democracy. Dissolve the MCD and conduct a fair election—let the people give their verdict.”
In addressing the recent resignation of Arvind Kejriwal and his subsequent move from the Chief Minister’s residence, Atishi remarked, “Arvind Kejriwal was an honest CM who continues to receive public support. Despite having no personal residence after resigning from office, he has offered several homes to stay in by supporters across the national capital.”
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