MC House session begins on stormy note

There was a chaotic beginning to the MCD House session here today with the BJP and AAP councillors getting engaged in heated arguments. While Mayor Mahesh Kumar arrived on time and took his seat, the absence of the Deputy Commissioner led to a standoff.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded that the session proceed with the Additional Commissioner in charge, but the suggestion was met with strong opposition from the BJP councillors, triggering a verbal duel.

As tension escalated, the BJP councillors began raising slogans, accusing former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of corruption, shouting “Kejriwal Chor Hai” (Kejriwal is a thief). The BJP also called for regularising all municipal employees and putting an end to what they termed as “deceptive” practices of the AAP-led government. The situation quickly turned into chaos, with both sides clashing as the BJP members climbed on to tables, waving banners, and continuing to disrupt the proceedings.

Despite the disruption, the MCD House managed to pass several significant proposals, including a motion to regularise temporary employees — a long-standing demand of the municipal staff. Additionally, a reduction in house tax for residential properties under 100 square yards and between 100-500 square yards was approved.

While the Opposition parties continued to create a ruckus, the required quorum of 70 councillors was met, and the proposals were passed successfully. The session was later adjourned until the next date scheduled.

The session has faced sharp criticism from the BJP. The party’s Delhi general secretary and MP Yogendra Chandolia, along with Leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation, Raja Iqbal Singh and state media head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, have condemned the session as “unethical” and “illegal”.

In a joint statement, they said, “We strongly condemn the illegal session of the MCD House, convened in violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1952. This session was held in the absence of the Commissioner and the entire Opposition councillors. Only 25 to 30 councillors from AAP were present. This session is a clear violation of the Act and should be declared void.”

They also expressed concern over the agenda of the session, which included several old issues that had been repeatedly deferred and could have serious financial implications for the MCD. “These matters require proper investigation and cannot be rushed through in such an illegal session,” the BJP leaders added.

In response to the proceedings, Raja Iqbal Singh has submitted a letter of protest to the Commissioner, urging intervention and declaring the meeting illegal. The BJP leaders have asked the Commissioner to step in and take necessary action in the matter.