Delhi Mayor: Shrunken AAP stays out, claims has left ‘four-engine’ BJP in a tight spot

Delhi Mayor Polls: AAP Steps Back, BJP’s “Four-Engine” Power Under Scrutiny

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided not to contest the upcoming Delhi mayoral elections, clearing the path for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take control of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). With this decision, the BJP will hold power at all levels of government in the city.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP’s Delhi chief, explained the move as a strategy. He emphasized that the BJP now has no excuses for failing to govern effectively. “They control the Centre, the MCD, and the Lieutenant Governor. It’s their time to show what they can do,” Bharadwaj said.

A Shift in Political Landscape

AAP’s decision marks a dramatic change. Just two years ago, the party won the MCD elections, ending the BJP’s 15-year rule. However, recent challenges, such as defections and internal instability, have weakened AAP’s position in the municipal body.

In February, three AAP councillors joined the BJP, strengthening the party’s majority in the MCD. This has made the mayoral election a mere formality for the BJP.

BJP’s Path Forward

The BJP has nominated Raja Iqbal Singh, a former mayor of North Delhi, as its candidate for mayor. Jai Bhagwan Yadav is the BJP’s pick for deputy mayor. The party now faces the challenge of delivering on promises made during the election.

With no opposition to hold them accountable, the BJP must now focus on improving Delhi’s infrastructure, sanitation, and public services. Any failure to meet these expectations will be squarely blamed on the ruling party.

What’s Next?

Some view AAP’s decision as a surrender, while others see it as a strategy to expose the BJP’s performance. If the BJP fails to improve the city’s conditions, this could hurt them in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

For now, the city awaits its new mayor. But the real question is whether the BJP can deliver real change in Delhi.