AAP Delhi Mayor Polls Victory: Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Mahesh Khinchi narrowly clinched the Delhi mayoral seat, winning by a slim margin of 133 votes to the BJP’s Kishan Pal’s 130. Khinchi, who now serves as Delhi’s first Dalit Mayor, faces a shortened five-month term due to repeated delays in the election, which saw tensions flare and members of Congress stage a walkout.
Cross-Voting and Controversy
The election stirred significant political drama, as the BJP — despite holding 120 seats — secured 10 additional votes. The BJP later claimed cross-voting by AAP members, suggesting that AAP councillors had backed the BJP, branding the outcome a “moral defeat” for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
ये दिल्लीवालों की जीत है
Mahesh Kumar Khinchi जी को दिल्ली का नया मेयर बनने पर ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। आम आदमी पार्टी आपके नेतृत्व में MCD में अपना शानदार काम जारी रखेगी। pic.twitter.com/7UyP4G9V84
— Councillor Manju Setia (@ManjuSetiaAAP) November 14, 2024
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The Congress party voiced discontent over the limited tenure, leading to a walkout by most of its members. However, Mustafabad Councillor Sabila Begum defied her party’s stance, voting in favour of AAP’s candidate before resigning from Congress.
History of Delays
The mayoral election, typically held in April, faced delays due to a legal case involving Kejriwal and subsequent procedural disputes. Khinchi will now oversee Delhi’s civic matters for a limited term, facing the challenge of governing amidst political contention.
