Yet another attempt to elect a Delhi Mayor failed today as protests erupted after a major change in rules that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged will favour the BJP.
AAP has strongly opposed voting rights for the aldermen nominated by the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the Centre in Delhi.
The elections have already been stalled twice, over the issue of voting rights and nominations.
The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act says nominated members, or aldermen, cannot vote in house meetings.
The municipal corporation meeting was called off until further notice amid huge protests after 10 councillors nominated by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena were allowed to vote.
AAP, after having won a majority in the corporation after its big win in the December civic polls, says it will approach the Supreme Court for court-monitored mayoral polls within 10 days.
AAP has strongly opposed voting rights for the aldermen nominated by the Lieutenant Governor and alleges that these members are inclined to support the BJP.
Emphatically denying the charge, the BJP maintains that the presiding officer has decided that aldermen can vote.
The BJP’s seven Lok Sabha MPs from Delhi, AAP’s three Rajya Sabha members and 14 MLAs nominated by the Delhi Speaker are also allowed to vote.
The Congress has said it will abstain.
Till now, the house does not have a Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Standing Committee.
AAP had earlier also opposed the appointment of Satya Sharma by the Lieutenant Governor as presiding officer, recommending Mukesh Goyal, the seniormost councilor in the house, for the post.
In the first election on January 6, AAP and BJP members had a physical altercation, leading to it being called off.
The row has now reached the Supreme Court, which will decide further.