MCD House meet adjourned as AAP, BJP councillors spar

A meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House on Monday turned chaotic as AAP and BJP councillors clashed over multiple issues, including the alleged disrespect towards Mayor Mahesh Kumar. The session, which was meant to address key civic matters, was disrupted by loud sloganeering, torn agenda papers and councillors climbing onto tables, forcing an abrupt adjournment.

The meeting, which started late, was set to discuss overdue payments for feeding cattle in four cow shelters, expediting road development projects in South Delhi and hiring additional manpower for the Horticulture Department. However, tension escalated soon after the proceedings began, with BJP councillors demanding an immediate vote, alleging that AAP no longer held a majority. In response, AAP members accused the BJP of “murdering” the Constitution, leading to heated exchanges.

Amid the ruckus, Leader of Opposition and former MCD Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh accused AAP councillors of undermining the dignity of the House. He claimed that when Mayor Mahesh Kumar entered the chamber, AAP councillors refused to stand in his honour, while BJP members stood up until he took his seat as a mark of respect. Singh alleged that this was not the first instance of AAP councillors disregarding the Mayor’s authority and that the ruling party members had often tried to influence the Mayor’s decisions.

Singh further criticised AAP’s governance, stating that in the three years since coming to power, the party had failed to carry out development work in residential areas or prioritise civic issues in House discussions. “It is the responsibility of the ruling party to ensure smooth proceedings, but instead, senior AAP leaders deliberately create disruptions to stall discussions,” he alleged.

He contrasted AAP’s approach with the BJP’s tenure, claiming that when his party was in power, House meetings ran smoothly for 15 years, allowing both ruling and Opposition members to voice their concerns. He accused AAP leaders of prioritising political theatrics over governance and public welfare.

As tempers flared and order could not be restored, the House was adjourned, leaving key civic matters unresolved.