New Delhi: In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), fifteen municipal councillors in Delhi have resigned from the party. They have announced the formation of a new political outfit called the Indraprastha Vikas Party.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a major jolt in Delhi politics. Fifteen municipal councillors have quit the party and launched a new political party named Indraprastha Vikas Party.
The new party will be led by Hemchand Goel, a former AAP member. Key leaders in the new front include Mukesh Goel, Himani Jain, Devindra Kumar, Rajesh Kumar Ladi, Suman Anil Rana, Dinesh Bhardwaj, and others.
Mukesh Goel’s Exit a Big Blow
Mukesh Goel, former Leader of the House in the MCD, is one of the most prominent leaders to leave. He also contested the Delhi Assembly elections in February on an AAP ticket but lost.
Reason Behind Resignation
The councillors cited lack of coordination with AAP’s top leadership as the main reason for their exit.
“The House never functions smoothly. We were not able to do any public work for the past year or two,” said Mukesh Goel.
The group submitted a joint resignation letter. It stated that despite AAP winning the MCD in 2022, the leadership failed to run the corporation effectively.
They added, “There was almost no communication between the top leaders and councillors. We could not fulfil the promises made to the public.”
Only 13 Names on List
Although 15 councillors have reportedly resigned, only 13 names appeared on the list released. Two councillors were not present during the announcement, and their signatures were missing.
Series of Defections Weakens AAP in MCD
This is not the first time AAP has faced defections in the MCD. In February, three AAP councillors switched to the BJP, making it the single largest party in the civic body.
In September last year, three more AAP councillors joined the BJP just before a crucial MCD standing committee election.
Due to rising instability, AAP withdrew from the mayoral race scheduled for April 25, effectively allowing the BJP to take control of the MCD.
What’s Next?
Sources say more councillors may join the Indraprastha Vikas Party in the coming weeks. The political landscape of the MCD appears to be shifting fast, with the BJP gaining ground and AAP struggling to maintain its hold.
Tags: #AAP #IndraprasthaVikasParty #MCD #DelhiPolitics #Defections #BJP #HemchandGoel #MukeshGoel #DelhiCivicBody
