Delhi Municipal Elections Delayed, Civic Authorities Cite Lack of Presiding Officer

AAP minister Atishi alleged that the election was cancelled at the BJP’s behest. The civic body postponed the mayoral polls after the Raj Niwas issued a letter on behalf of Saxena, stating that the appointment of a presiding officer could not be made in the absence of inputs from the chief minister, who is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a money laundering-linked excise policy case.

The LG, in his letter to the chief secretary, stated unusual circumstances concerning the serving chief minister’s judicial custody and its impact on the constitutional obligations. He emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of law and Constitution, mentioning that the decision regarding the appointment of the presiding officer would be inappropriate in the absence of the chief minister’s inputs.

In a separate letter, the Special Secretary (Urban) conveyed the LG’s directions, stating that it was inappropriate to appoint the presiding officer in the chief minister’s absence. The incumbent Mayor and Deputy Mayor were instructed to continue holding their positions until elections could be conducted as per legal provisions.

The MCD’s letter, followed by the Lt Governor’s communication, stated that the mayoral polls had to be postponed due to the absence of the presiding officer appointment. The AAP minister alleged that the BJP’s cancellation of the mayoral polls was motivated by their reluctance to have a Dalit candidate as the mayor.

Earlier in the day, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP-led central government of conspiring to halt the mayoral polls and remove AAP from the MCD. He also accused the Chief Secretary of flouting the rules for nominating a presiding officer.

Bharadwaj had requested the LG to return a file that was sent for nominating the presiding officer without his involvement.