Senior Congress councillors may not contest Delhi municipal polls

MCD polls: A party insider said these corporators have already apprised the state leadership about their ‘unwillingness’ to enter the fray

The Delhi Congress has indicated that all sitting councillors in three municipal corporations will be given tickets. However, several senior elected members of civic bodies may not contest the elections scheduled in April.

The Delhi Congress has indicated that all sitting councillors in three municipal corporations will be given tickets. But several senior elected members of civic bodies may not

The list includes the names of leader of oppositions in north and south Delhi Municipal Corporations Farhad Suri and Mukesh Goel.

At present, the Congress has 91 councillors in the three municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs).

A party insider said these corporators have already apprised the state leadership about their ‘unwillingness’ to enter the fray.

“Primarily, change in the geographical boundaries of all municipal wards and reservation of wards for women and SC category contestants are two reasons behind their reluctance. A few others want assembly ticket in future so they may not participate in the civic polls this time,” he said.

Post delimitation, Suri’s Nizamuddin ward has been abolished and is now called ‘Daryaganj’, which is reserved for a woman candidate. A significant portion of the erstwhile ward has been rechristened into Siddharth Nagar ward, which is reserved for SC category. “I have not taken any decision and I will follow what my party leadership asks me to do. I will obey the diktat of the party,” Suri said.

However, the nature of Goel’s ward — Dhirpur — has not changed. It is still under general category. “Reports are not correct. Who will not want to contest the election if the party gives ticket?” Goel said.

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken said Suri had discussed the matter with me and his point is justified. “The nature of his (ward) has changed. His case is exceptional one. Otherwise, it is not true that our councillors are not willing to contest. In fact, four former MLAs and three unsuccessful assembly election nominees are seeking ticket,” he said.

The Congress leader further said around 60 BJP councillors had also approached him for the party ticket. “We can’t give ticket to them. It is unethical. We can’t ignore our workers,” he said.

On the other hand, another councillor, wishing anonymity, said one of the reasons for not participating in the polls is ‘possible tough competition with the third player (Aam Aadmi Party) in the race’.

“My ward has totally been changed. If I shift to a neighbouring ward or some other area, possibility is that I may not find support from leaders from that particular ward. It’s quite obvious that if I manage to win, I de facto become claimant for assembly ticket from that area. And AAP has made the competition triangular,” he said.