CityweliveThe exit of 15 councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and their establishment of a new political outfit may significantly influence the outcomes of the forthcoming ward committee polls across 12 zones, potentially undermining AAP’s former areas of dominance. This shift could also impact the election results for the three remaining seats on the 18-member standing committee. Currently, the election of three standing committee members is pending — one from the house and two via ward committees in the South and City Sadar Paharganj zones. One of these positions, formerly held by Gajendra Daral from Mundka ward, is now vacant as he was elected to the assembly. These ward committee elections, usually held yearly, have recently been postponed due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The municipal secretary is expected to announce revised election dates soon. Presently, the BJP leads seven ward committees, while AAP commands five. The BJP-led zones include Shahdara South, Shahdara North, Narela, Najafgarh, Keshavpuram, Civil Lines, and Central. AAP presides over City Sadar Paharganj, South, Karol Bagh, West, and Rohini.
Despite AAP’s declining strength — its councillor count fell from 132 in September 2024 to 113 by April 2025 — the party retained solid control over five zones due to a substantial lead. However, with the defection of 15 councillors, the margin in zones like South, West, and Rohini has narrowed significantly. Among the departing councillors were four from the West zone, three from the South, two from Narela, and one each from Rohini, Central, and Shahdara South. In the South zone, the ward committee had 23 councillors: 14 from AAP, 8 from BJP, and one from Congress. Following the assembly elections, three seats became vacant — two BJP and one AAP. Recently, three councillors joined the newly formed Indrapratha Vikas Party (IVP), shifting the tally to AAP 10, BJP 6, Congress 1, and IVP 3. Should IVP align with BJP, the numbers would tighten to 10 for AAP and 9 for BJP. In the West zone, AAP’s strength dropped from 17 to 13 members following four resignations, giving BJP a potential edge if supported by the defectors. Rohini’s numbers also shifted slightly, with AAP moving from 12 to 11 councillors. Mukesh Goel of IVP stated that their group may back capable individuals rather than parties, and plans to nominate their own candidates in zones where they hold influence. These developments are poised to affect not only ward committee elections but also the selection of standing committee members.
