In a significant development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled Devnagar ward councillor Mahesh Khichi as its candidate for the impending Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayoral polls. This announcement was made by Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai during a press conference held on April 18.
Gopal Rai, addressing the media, disclosed that Mahesh Khichi will serve as the AAP’s nominee for the mayoral position, while Aman Vihar councillor Ravinder Bhardwaj has been selected as the party’s candidate for the deputy mayor role. Bhardwaj, a two-time councilor from Aman Vihar ward, previously served as a standing committee member.
Today marks the deadline for filing nominations for the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections, as confirmed by MCD officials. Notably, the post of mayor is reserved for Scheduled Caste councilors in this election cycle, with nominations being accepted until April 18.
In the preceding year, Aam Aadmi Party councillor Shelly Oberoi from East Patel Nagar clinched the mayoral position in both the February and April elections. AAP Delhi convener Gopal Rai expressed confidence that the newly appointed candidates will continue the commendable work initiated by Oberoi. He emphasized the electorate’s rejection of the BJP in the MCD and hinted at a similar voting pattern in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
During the press briefing, AAP Delhi convener Rai underscored the party’s readiness to confront challenges, stating, “After the Chandigarh mayor elections, we have seen how capable BJP is of stealing votes. We are prepared to counter all their schemes.”
Rai highlighted Mahesh Khichi’s longstanding association with the AAP since its inception in 2012. This year, the MCD mayor will be elected from reserved category councillors, as per the electoral process.
The elections for the post of mayor and deputy mayor are scheduled to take place on April 26, marking a crucial milestone in Delhi’s local governance landscape.
