Conflict of interest: AAP seeks mayor’s resignation from standing committee

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday accused Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh of breaching protocol by continuing as a member of the MCD Standing Committee even after assuming the Mayor’s post.

AAP’s Leader of Opposition in the MCD House, Ankush Narang, demanded his immediate resignation from the committee and called it a “blatant conflict of interest.”

“Never in MCD history has a Mayor refused to step down from a committee that reports directly to him,” Narang said in a press conference. “In what capacity will he now attend Standing Committee meetings, where the Chairperson reports to the Mayor?”

Singh was elected Mayor on April 25 but continues to hold his seat in the Standing Committee from Civil Lines Zone. Narang questioned the delay in his resignation, especially when fresh elections have been notified in other zones after the AAP councillors stepped down.

“This is not just a procedural lapse; it’s a violation of ethics and protocol,” said Narang. “By holding on to both posts, Raja Iqbal is upholding the BJP’s tradition of clinging to power at all costs.”

In a letter addressed to the Mayor, Narang reminded him that the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act clearly outlines that the Mayor is the supreme authority, and all committee decisions must be submitted to the Mayor. “How can someone be both the supervisor and the subordinate?” he asked.

Narang also criticised the BJP’s earlier conduct in the MCD House, accusing it of repeatedly stalling proceedings when in Opposition. “They broke mics and disrupted sessions. In contrast, the AAP played a constructive role in Wednesday’s session despite being in Opposition,” he said.

He further pointed to AAP’s successful protest against the proposed user charges and reiterated the party’s demand for a house tax waiver for small properties. “Let the BJP take credit, but the people of Delhi know who fought for their relief,” Narang said.

The AAP leader concluded by urging Raja Iqbal Singh to step down from the Standing Committee post, apologise to the public, and uphold the dignity of the Mayor’s office.