BJP set to retain Delhi Mayor post as AAP stays out of contest, nomination process concludes

The political balance in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi appears to be tilting once again in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party as nominations for the mayoral and deputy mayoral posts were filed on Thursday, with the Aam Aadmi Party choosing to stay away from the contest for the second consecutive year.

The elections for the top civic posts in the Municipal Corporation are scheduled for April 29 . The contest, however, is shaping up as a largely BJP versus Congress affair, with the ruling party in a strong position numerically.

The BJP has fielded councillor Pravesh Wahi from Ward 53 Rohini East for the mayor’s post, while Monika Pant from Ward 206 Anand Vihar has been nominated for deputy mayor. The party currently enjoys a clear numerical advantage in the electoral college.

The electoral strength for this year’s mayoral election stands at 273 votes, comprising councillors, MLAs, and MPs. A candidate needs 137 votes to win. The BJP, with 123 councillors along with support from MPs and MLAs, is estimated to command around 141 votes , giving it a comfortable edge.

On the other hand, the AAP , despite holding 100 councillors and support from Rajya Sabha and MLA members, has decided not to field candidates for the mayor and deputy mayor posts this time as well.

The Congress has also entered the race, nominating Zarif from Kabir Nagar Shahdara for mayor and Rajesh Kumar Gupta for deputy mayor, though its numbers remain significantly lower.

Speaking after filing his nomination, BJP candidate Pravesh Wahi outlined civic priorities, focusing on garbage management and infrastructure. He promised efforts to make Delhi cleaner, improve road conditions, and enhance green spaces. Monika Pant highlighted women’s representation , calling her candidature a step toward strengthening “Nari Shakti” in civic governance.

AAP has instead reappointed Ankush Narang as Leader of Opposition in the civic body, signalling its decision to focus on opposition strategy rather than contesting leadership roles this year.