BJP leader Raja Iqbal Singh is new Delhi mayor

Vibha Sharma / TNN / Updated: Apr 25, 2025, 16:37 IST

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Raja Iqbal Singh of the BJP has been elected as the new Mayor of Delhi, securing 133 out of 142 votes after the AAP withdrew from the race, alleging BJP-engineered defections. The BJP's strength in the MCD has increased since 2022, further bolstered by the inclusion of BJP MLAs as members. AAP leaders have accused the BJP of manipulating the MCD election process since 2022.

BJP leader Raja Iqbal Singh is new Delhi mayor

NEW DELHI: BJP reclaimed control of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) merely two and a half years after its defeat in the 2022 municipal polls. The election proceedings on Friday became a straightforward affair due to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) non-participation, while the Congress candidate received minimal (eight) support.
Raja Iqbal Singh, who previously served as Mayor in the former North Corporation in 2021, has now returned to the mayoral position after three years. He won the election with 133 votes out of 142, while Congress candidate Mandeep Singh got eight votes. One vote was declared invalid.

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Singh, a second-term councillor from Mukherjee Nagar ward, stated that his party would actively pursue improvements in sanitation services, withdraw user charges, find permanent solutions for waterlogging, and address long-pending infrastructure projects.

The assembly commenced with two minutes of silence, followed by passing a condolence resolution honouring those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror incident that claimed 26 victims. In response to the tragic event, authorities removed all celebratory decorations from the mayoral election venue.
The BJP's control over municipal, state, and central govts, which they term as a 'triple engine' govt, marks a significant shift in MCD's administration. The party has assured that this unified governance structure will expedite development initiatives.
The incoming Mayor will however face immediate challenges, including preparations to tackle monsoon-related waterlogging issues and addressing the city's ongoing sanitation problems.
While AAP abstained from attending the house meeting, Congress candidates contested the elections for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts, even though it has eight councillors among the 274 of the electoral college.
The DPCC President Dender Yadav on 'X' stated, "After AAP ran away from its responsibility, Congress is keeping the tradition of loyalty and dedication towards the public by nominating candidates." Yadav appealed to all councillors to rise above party politics and vote for Congress candidates.

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