Change in BJP state leadership casts shadow on civic bodies

The recent leadership change in the BJP’s Delhi unit, where Vijay Goel succeeded Vijender Gupta as the state president, has led to fissures in the party-ruled municipal corporations.

The recent leadership change in the BJP’s Delhi unit, where Vijay Goel succeeded Vijender Gupta as the state president, has led to fissures in the party-ruled municipal corporations.

HT Image

The tenure of office-bearers’ like that of the mayor and the standing committee will expire next month and many of the current leaders are likely to lose their posts, say sources.

“In the present tenure, a majority of the office bearers are known to be supporters of former president Vijender Gupta. They are likely to lose their positions to Goel’s supporters,” said a party member on condition of anonymity. He said while two of the mayors may get re-elected, maximum changes will be made in the standing committee that has 10-12 members in each of the three corporations and is headed by a chairman.

According to a source, Annapurna Mishra, mayor of east corporation, is most likely to continue her office since she is a Poorvanchali leader and can be instrumental in getting Poorvanchali votes in the coming assembly elections. Leader of the House (south corporation) Subhash Arya and chairman standing committee of north corporation Yogender Chandolia are likely to retain their offices.

For the rest, however, the future is shaky. Recently, the problems within the party were noticed when north corporation mayor Mira Aggarwal did not allow deputy chairman of standing committee VP Pandey to speak at a House meeting.

The House members were discussing the issue of old age pensions and when Pandey rose to present some information, the mayor asked him to sit down even before he could finish his sentence.

“There is a lot of tension in the corporations since many people may not be able to retain their offices,” said a leader.