51 candidates in fray for Delhi MCD Bypolls

A total of 51 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls scheduled on November 30, setting the stage for a triangular contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. With 12 seats going to polls, the outcome is expected to have a direct impact on Delhi’s civic power balance ahead of the next mayoral election.

The bypolls would take place in Mundka (35), Shalimar Bagh B (56), Ashok Vihar (65), Chandni Chowk (74), Chandni Mahal (76), Dwarka B (120), Dichaon Kalan (128), Naraina (139), Sangam Vihar A (163), Dakshin Puri (164), Greater Kailash (173) and Vinod Puri (198). These vacancies arose earlier this year after nine BJP and three AAP councillors were elected as MPs or MLAs, necessitating mid-term elections to fill the seats.

Among all wards, Naraina (139) has emerged as the most competitive, attracting seven candidates, including four independents alongside nominees from the three major parties. In contrast, Dwarka B, Dakshin Puri and Greater Kailash would witness a direct triangular fight as only BJP, AAP and Congress candidates are contesting there. In Chandni Mahal, a candidate from the All India Forward Bloc is in the race, while Vinod Puri features a contender from the Communist Party of India, adding state-party participation to the electoral landscape. Other wards see a mix of national party and independent candidates.

Of the 12 seats, six are in the general category, five reserved for women and one for Scheduled Castes. The electoral outcome carries significant weight in Delhi’s civic politics. While AAP ended BJP’s 15-year dominance of the MCD in the 2022 municipal elections, the BJP regained control earlier this year through cross-voting in the mayoral election. The current strength of the 238-member House stands at BJP 115, AAP 99, Indraprastha Vikas Party (IVP) 16 and Congress 8, making the bypoll results potentially crucial for the political climate ahead of the next mayoral race.

To facilitate polling, the State Election Commission has set up 580 booths, with the highest number, 55, in Shalimar Bagh B, previously held by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta before she assumed office. The total number of eligible voters across the 12 wards is 6,98,751, comprising 3,74,988 men, 3,23,710 women and 53 third-gender voters. The electoral rolls also include 60 voters with disabilities, 14,529 senior citizens above 80 and 4,458 first-time voters who turned 18 this year.

In view of polling, the Delhi government has declared dry days from November 28 to 30. In areas where bypolls will be held, including Greater Kailash, Mundka, Shalimar Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Dwarka, Naraina and several others, all liquor shops will remain closed for three days.