On Saturday, in a significant political development, MCD Councillors Anita Basoya, Sandeep Basoya, Nikhil Chaprana, and Dharmavir joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The switch took place in the presence of Delhi’s BJP President, Virendraa Sachdeva, marking a notable shift in the political landscape ahead of the upcoming MCD elections.
This move is seen as a major boost for the BJP and a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as it loses key representatives to its rival. The defection highlights the growing political tensions in Delhi and could have significant implications for the civic polls.
While Anita Basoya is councillor from Andrews Ganj, Nikhil Chaptrana represents Hari Nagar Extension Ward. Dharamvir Singh was elected councillor from RK Puram. Sandeep Basoya was the New Delhi district president of AAP.
Earlier, in January, two AAP councillors from West Delhi joined BJP. This came just weeks ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections.The two AAP councillors were Ravinder Solanki who represents Baprola Ward and Narender Girsa from Manglapuri.
In September 2024, three AAP councillors Praveen Kumar, Preeti and Sarita Phogat joined BJP. Preeti is a councillor from Dilshad Colony Ward, Praveen Kumar from Madanpur Khadar Ward and Phogat is from Green Park. The three AAP leaders joined the saffron party in the presence of Delhi BJP president Virend Sachdeva and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra at the Delhi BJP office. This came a day before the Standing Committee member of the MCD was to be elected.
By-elections for the MCD is expected to take place in April or May, as some of the councillors were elected to the Delhi Assembly and one became a Member of Parliament, leaving their MCD seats vacant.
As per the details, the wards which will be going for the polls include Mundka, Sangam Vihar, Chandni Mahal, Ashok Vihar, Chandni Chowk among others.
In the recently concluded Delhi elections, BJP won 48 seats in the 70-member assembly, while AAP was reduced to 22 seats. Congress was unable to open its account.
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