Mayoral polls to be held in next meeting, says Oberoi

The House meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi was adjourned on Monday following uproar from Opposition councillors regarding rising pollution levels in the city and the delay in conducting mayoral elections. Mayor Shelly Oberoi announced that the elections for the Mayor’s post would take place in the next meeting.

As Oberoi entered the House about 45 minutes after the scheduled timing of the session, BJP councillors began raising slogans, asserting that a Mayor from the Dalit community needed to be elected during the third year of the term. They argued that delaying the election was denying a Dalit candidate his or her rightful opportunity.

In response, Oberoi said, “Be assured the elections will be held in the next meeting. Right now, let us focus on the agenda to be discussed.”

The councillors also criticised Oberoi for her alleged tardiness. Despite the disruptions, Oberoi managed to pass several proposals before adjourning the House until the next meeting.

Following the adjournment, Leader of Opposition Raja Iqbal Singh reiterated his frustration over the delay in electing a Dalit Mayor. He demanded, “Mayor Shelly Oberoi and the Aam Aadmi Party must hold the Mayor’s election without delay. If the elections are not announced soon, the BJP will stage a protest and lock the Mayor’s office.”

He accused Oberoi of inappropriately occupying a position reserved for the Scheduled Caste, stripping her of the moral authority to hold the post.

The BJP councillors staged a demonstration during the meeting, protesting Oberoi’s planned trip to Brazil. Singh remarked, “It is unjust for the Mayor to leave Delhiites to suffer pollution while she plans to visit Brazil.”

He pointed out the Mayor’s insensitivity towards pressing issues such as air pollution, criticising her for hosting lavish meals costing Rs 12,000 per plate for councillors while the city grapples with pollution. “Instead of discussing crucial public issues like sanitation and air quality, the Mayor hosted a lunch worth Rs 18 lakh,” he lamented, noting that no discussions took place and the meeting ended without deliberation. “While employees have not received their salaries or Diwali bonuses, the Mayor is spending Rs 18 lakh on meals for 150 councillors and AAP leaders,” he added.

Mayor Oberoi asserted, “The BJP does not care about the public. Their leaders only create a ruckus to boost their political image. There was a disturbance in the House today, preventing any discussion on the agenda.”

She mentioned that all 250 councillors were invited to the Diwali gathering, but did not attend, adding, “The BJP used to organise such events in the past as well.” Oberoi affirmed, “As directed by Arvind Kejriwal, the mayoral election will be held soon.”