NEW DELHI: MCD will elect a new member of the Standing Committee on September 26, crucial for determining which party will have control over finances and other critical issues.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to hold the Standing Committee election on September 26, 2024. This poll will be for the only remaining vacant seat, which became available after BJP member Kamaljeet Sehrawat was elected to the Lok Sabha from West Delhi.
According to MCD officials, the election for the vacant seat on the 18-member Standing Committee will take place during MCD’s monthly house meeting on September 26. The result of this election will determine which party holds power within the committee.
The Standing Committee is a key statutory body responsible for making major decisions regarding financial matters, policy implementation, and other critical issues. As one of the most influential entities within the MCD, the 18-member committee controls the corporation’s financial resources. Without a fully established committee, MCD’s ability to function and govern efficiently has been hindered.
Of the 18 members of the MCD Standing Committee, 12 are elected from the respective MCD zones, while the remaining six are elected from the MCD House. Notably, 12 members were chosen in the ward committee elections held on September 4. Of these, seven seats went to BJP and five to AAP. The six current members from the MCD House were elected during the mayoral polls in 2023, with both, BJP and AAP securing three seats each. AAP’s elected members from the House include Aamil Malik, Mohini, and Raminder Kaur, while BJP’s representatives are Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Gajendra Singh Daral, and Pankaj Luthra.
MCD officials stated that the poll on September 26 is necessary to fill the vacant seat and will play a crucial role in determining which party controls MCD’s finances. They pointed out that currently, AAP and BJP hold eight and ten seats respectively in the committee, with one seat left vacant following Sehrawat’s election to the Lok Sabha from West Delhi. This vacancy offers AAP a slim chance to increase its representation in the committee, as it currently holds eight seats, with BJP in the lead.
Officials highlighted that once the election for the 18th member is concluded, the committee will vote to elect the Standing Committee chairperson. If AAP wins on September 26, it will result in a 9-9 tie with the BJP, meaning the chairperson will have to be selected by drawing lots.
However, if BJP wins the election, the party will secure a two-member majority, ensuring its control over the position of chairperson in the Standing Committee.