MCDs prepare to elect new mayors

The three municipal corporations run by the BJP have been gearing up for elections to the post of mayors, deputy mayors and members of the standing committee.

The Bharatiya Janata Party may zero in on Yogender Chandolia, a councillor from Karol Bagh Zone, for the post of mayor of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, sources in the civic agency said. 

“If the party (BJP) thinks I am worthy enough, it will elect me as the mayor. I have worked for the welfare of people of my ward and I hope to get elected,” Chandolia said. “I have served the people of my area with full sincerity. Whether or not I get elected, I will abide by the party’s decision,” he added. 

A councillor from Shahdara South Zone, Raj Kumar Dhillo, is likely to be elected as mayor of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, the source added.

Even an independent candidate Pardeep Kumar, a councillor from Najafgarh Zone and also chairman of Scheduled Castes committee, is in competition with Sahi Ram of Bahujan Samaj Party, councillor from Central Zone, for the post of mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The election of the mayor of the North Corporation is scheduled on April 28, while the East and South civic agencies will elect their mayors on April 29. 

The elections for South and North civic agencies will take place at the Civic Centre and the East Corporation will hold the election at Udyog Sadan in Patparganj.

The South Corporation said nominations can be filed till 5 pm on Tuesday. Nominations for the posts vacant in the North Corporation can be filed till 5 pm on Thursday. 

“Any candidate can withdraw his candidature at any time before the election takes place,” the corporation said. “This year, the post of mayor is reserved for Scheduled Castes candidate, being the third year of the term.” 

The East Corporation said that the last date of filing nominations is April 21. The first year of the tenure is reserved for women candidates, the second year for general candidates and the third for reserved candidates.