A major political controversy has erupted in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Leader of Opposition, Ankush Narang, accused newly-elected Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh of violating protocol by continuing to hold his post in the Standing Committee despite assuming the Mayor’s office on April 25.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Narang questioned the moral and constitutional legitimacy of Raja Iqbal Singh’s dual role, stating, “This is likely the first time in MCD’s history that a sitting Mayor is also functioning as a member of a committee that is legally bound to report to him.”
How Can Mayor Sit in a Committee That Reports to Him?
Raising strong objections, Narang said, “It defies all logic and ethics. When the Standing Committee is accountable to the Mayor, how can Raja Iqbal Singh participate in its meetings as one of its members?” He urged Singh to relinquish his committee membership immediately and issue a public apology to the citizens of Delhi for defying established norms.
Narang also showcased a formal letter addressed to the Mayor, highlighting the anomaly in the current arrangement. He noted that while notifications for by-elections in several zones have already been issued following AAP councillors’ resignations, no such notification has been released for the Civil Lines Zone, from where Raja Iqbal Singh continues to serve as a Standing Committee member.
Standing Committee Cannot Have Its Head as Its Member: AAP
Referring to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, Narang emphasized that the Mayor is the highest constitutional authority in the Corporation, and all committees—including the Standing Committee—are obligated to submit reports to the Mayor’s office. “It is constitutionally and morally untenable for the Mayor to be part of a body that reports to him,” he asserted.
Political Accusations and BJP’s Alleged Double Standards
Taking a sharp jibe at the ruling BJP, Narang alleged that Raja Iqbal Singh’s refusal to resign reflects BJP’s “old tradition of clinging to power by any means.” He said, “Rather than upholding the dignity of his office, Raja Iqbal is following the BJP playbook of holding multiple posts, even if it violates protocol.”
Contrast in House Proceedings Highlighted
Speaking about the recently concluded MCD House session held after a gap of nearly two and a half years, Narang said it functioned for over five hours due to AAP’s constructive participation despite being in the Opposition. “Earlier, when BJP was in Opposition, they would stage protests, break mics, and disrupt proceedings. In contrast, AAP chose to engage meaningfully and ensured the House functioned smoothly,” he said.
Recalling previous instances, he accused BJP councillors of attacking former AAP women Mayors and halting civic discussions through disruptive tactics. “Wednesday was only the second time the House has functioned since August 2023—and this time, AAP, despite being in Opposition, behaved responsibly,” he added.
User Charges Withdrawn After Public Pressure
Narang also addressed the recent rollback of user charges, stating that despite BJP claiming credit, it was AAP’s sustained opposition and protests, along with support from RWAs and market associations, that forced the withdrawal. “Let BJP take the credit. We’re happy the people of Delhi got relief—that was always our goal,” he said.
AAP’s Tax Waiver Demands Ignored
Highlighting policy differences, Narang reiterated that AAP had proposed a house tax waiver of 100% for homes up to 100 square yards and 50% for those up to 500 square yards. “Our resolution passed in the House, but BJP brought in its own amnesty scheme only to reject our proposal because it originated from AAP,” he said. “We don’t mind if BJP implements it now, but it must benefit Delhiites.”
LoP’s Formal Letter to the Mayor Raises Red Flags
In a detailed letter addressed to Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, Narang reiterated his concerns. He wrote that it was surprising and disappointing that Singh had not yet stepped down from the Standing Committee nearly a month after taking over as Mayor. “You continue to hold a position in a committee that is accountable to you—that is a conflict of interest and a breach of both legal and ethical conduct,” the letter stated.
The letter further questioned Singh’s role in future committee meetings and urged him to immediately resign in accordance with the principles of good governance. “Your failure to do so would confirm that the BJP continues to ignore democratic norms for political gain,” Narang concluded.
