If you thought the game is over in Delhi Municipal Corporation and that the AAP has won a clear majority, then think again. The game is not over yet and the game, in fact, is still wide open. Yes. Though a runner-up, the BJP might still spring a surprise and go on to win the mayoral election.
The AAP has won 134 seats in the 250-member MCD. This means it has just nine seats more than the required majority. To get its mayor elected a party needs 126 votes. The BJP has 104 and needs another 22 votes. If it wants, the BJP can get these numbers from 9 Congress councillors, three others and a handful from the AAP.
The biggest advantage for the BJP is that the anti-defection law does not apply to the mayor's election. The councillors can vote for BJP and still remain in their respective parties. So, the BJP can make use of this provision to get its mayoral candidate elected despite not having the required numbers.
But whether the BJP wants to use this opportunity is the question. The BJP might like to play the waiting game and allow the AAP to rule the MCD for some time and then pull the rug from under the AAP's feet. Significantly, BJP Delhi unit chief Aadesh Gupta has already said that the game is still open. So, expect some drama when the mayoral elections happen.
The AAP has won 134 seats in the 250-member MCD. This means it has just nine seats more than the required majority. To get its mayor elected a party needs 126 votes. The BJP has 104 and needs another 22 votes. If it wants, the BJP can get these numbers from 9 Congress councillors, three others and a handful from the AAP.
The biggest advantage for the BJP is that the anti-defection law does not apply to the mayor's election. The councillors can vote for BJP and still remain in their respective parties. So, the BJP can make use of this provision to get its mayoral candidate elected despite not having the required numbers.
But whether the BJP wants to use this opportunity is the question. The BJP might like to play the waiting game and allow the AAP to rule the MCD for some time and then pull the rug from under the AAP's feet. Significantly, BJP Delhi unit chief Aadesh Gupta has already said that the game is still open. So, expect some drama when the mayoral elections happen.