BJP Nominates Raja Iqbal Singh for MCD Election | AAP Chooses to Abstain

​BJP Nominates Raja Iqbal Singh for MCD Election; AAP Chooses to Abstain​

In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Raja Iqbal Singh as its candidate for the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayoral election. Concurrently, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its decision to abstain from participating in the election, citing concerns over electoral fairness and alleged political maneuvering by the BJP.​

Raja Iqbal Singh: A Political Profile

Raja Iqbal Singh is a seasoned politician with a history of public service in Delhi’s municipal governance. He previously served as the Mayor of the erstwhile North Delhi Municipal Corporation and has held the position of Leader of Opposition in the unified MCD. His political journey began with the Shiromani Akali Dal before he joined the BJP, where he has seen a swift rise within its ranks. Singh holds a B.Sc degree from the University of Delhi’s SGTB Khalsa College and an LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University.​

AAP’s Decision to Abstain

The Aam Aadmi Party has decided to abstain from the mayoral polls, expressing concerns over what it describes as the BJP’s “politics of sabotage and horse-trading.” AAP leaders have accused the BJP of converting civic governance into a sham under its “triple engine power” and have stated that the BJP should “rule Delhi without any excuses.” This move leaves the Congress, with its eight councillors, to contest against the BJP’s majority of 117 councillors.​

Implications for Delhi’s Civic Administration

With the BJP’s nomination of Raja Iqbal Singh and the AAP’s decision to abstain, the BJP is poised to regain control of the MCD after a two-year gap. Singh has pledged to focus on accelerating development in Delhi, addressing issues such as clearing landfills, improving schools, and enhancing civic amenities. He has also emphasized the need to clean the city’s streets and drains and to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season.​