MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi declares Standing Committee polls illegal ahead of elections today
The Hindu
MCD Standing Committee polls postponed after drama, Mayor declares polls illegal, adjourns house until October 5.
MCD Standing Committee polls for the sixth remaining members were postponed on Thursday (September 26, 2024) night after high-voltage drama, with AAP councillors protesting against security checks.
The elections were scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday (September 27, 2024) after an order by the MCD commissioner appointing an additional commissioner as the presiding officer.
However, Mayor Shelly Oberoi in a letter to the commissioner has declared the polls illegal and unlawful, stating it is her discretion to adjourn the meeting of the House and she has adjourned the House until October 5.
In her letter, quoting the DMC, she said that the Mayor is the presiding officer, if the Mayor is unavailable then the Deputy Mayor becomes the presiding officer and if they are also unavailable, then a councillor is appointed for the same, therefore, no other person can be appointed as the presiding officer.
Earlier on Thursday, following disruption over the frisking of councillors, the election was postponed by Ms. Oberoi. However, in a last-minute intervention, Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena overturned the poll postponement and directed MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar to submit a report by 10 p.m. Mr. Saxena directed that the Deputy Mayor be made the presiding officer for the poll if the Mayor refuses to hold it.
Six members of the 18-member panel, three each from the BJP and AAP, were elected by the MCD House right after the mayoral polls in March 2023. The remaining members were elected through the zonal committee polls, which were held last week. The BJP won the posts of Standing Committee member in seven of the 12 zonal committees, while AAP emerged victorious in five. Thursday’s poll was necessitated after the seat was vacated by BJP’s Kamaljeet Sehrawat, who won the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in the recently held general election.
Telangana Rising summit purely an economic event, says CM
Veteran cricketer Paras Dogra takes on a new role as a talent scout for IPL's Punjab Kings during the SMAT.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy pays tribute to Jayalalithaa on her death anniversary with floral offerings and official ceremonies.
Eight red sanders smugglers arrested in Tirupati; 12 logs seized during RSASTF operation in Sanipaya forest area.
Bengaluru Police investigate Aryan Khan's alleged obscene hand gesture at a pub event, following social media video circulation.
MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta warns that PFI's influence through SDPI threatens national security and undermines democratic integrity.
The Ambassador of France to India confers the insignia of the award on the publisher and managing director of DC Books
Bengaluru commuters demand platform screen doors for safety, but high costs and engineering challenges hinder implementation on existing metro routes.
Madras HC to hear appeals on December 12 regarding the lighting of Mahadeepam at Thirupparankundram temple.
N. Ram warns that hate politics threatens India’s democracy, urging the South to remain a bastion against these forces.
Nanjil Sampath joins Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, revitalizing his political career after six years away from party politics.
D.K. Shivakumar announces that five Blue Line stations will open once construction is completed, enhancing Bengaluru's airport connectivity.
Russia begins fuel shipments for Kudankulam's third reactor, enhancing efficiency and extending operational cycles for the nuclear power project.