Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta quits after AAP ends 15-year-reign at MCD

Adesh Gupta was engaged in a war of words with the AAP on multiple instances.

Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta has quit days after his party - at the helm of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for nearly 15 years - lost the civic body elections to the Aam Aadmi Party. Adesh Gupta's resignation has been accepted by the BJP. An official statement highlighted that the resignation was submitted following directions from the BJP's national president JP Nadda. Gupta has been replaced by Virendra Sachdeva with immediate effect, it further highlighted, stressing that he will serve in the capacity of the Delhi working president.

Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta. (HT Photo)

On Wednesday, Arvind Kejriwal's AAP registered its maiden win in the Delhi civic body polls, winning a massive majority. All 250 wards of the national capital had polled last Sunday after a hectic campaigning by both sides. The civic body is said to have a budget of nearly ₹15,000 crore.

On Saturday, Arvind Kejriwal - addressing his councillors - said that "this was one of the most difficult election". "Seven chief ministers, 17 union ministers, Amit Shah ji, (BJP chief) JP Nadda sahab, all of them were there. Besides, the media was used against us. Some or the other clip was released,” he said in his message to the councillors. "Some people say it was an easy election. But it was not. It was one of the most difficult elections we have fought," he further added.

Apart from poll issues, including Delhi air pollution, garbage landfill sites, among others, the national capital also saw multiple controversies including the excise policy case where Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was named an accused. Jailed Delhi minister Satyendar Jain's videos had also triggered a row.

Even after the polls, the two parties sparred, alleging poaching attempts.