Mon Apr 21 07:10:25 UTC 2025: ## AAP Boycotts Delhi Mayoral Elections, Accuses BJP of Rigging and Defections

**New Delhi, April 21, 2025** – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced today that it will not contest the upcoming mayoral elections in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), scheduled for April 25th. The decision follows accusations of widespread rigging and defections orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Addressing a press conference, AAP leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj cited the BJP’s alleged manipulation of the delimitation process and subsequent poaching of AAP councillors as reasons for their boycott. Bharadwaj accused the BJP of fraud and corruption during the delimitation, stating that despite these actions, the AAP still won the MCD elections. He further alleged that BJP councillors have disrupted MCD meetings.

Atishi, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, stated that the AAP will serve as a strong opposition, and that the party does not engage in the politics of sabotage and horse-trading. She challenged the BJP to form its government and fulfill its promises to the Delhi people.

The BJP’s strength in the MCD has risen to 119 after numerous AAP defections in recent months. Both MPs and MLAs nominated to the MCD are eligible to vote in the mayoral elections. The MCD is scheduled to hold an ordinary meeting on April 25th, with the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections set for 2 pm.

Read More