AAP Declines to Contest Delhi Mayor Elections Amid BJP's Dominance

In a surprising move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its decision not to participate in the upcoming mayoral elections for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. With the BJP holding a strong majority, AAP's leadership believes this strategy will expose the ruling party's shortcomings. Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP's Delhi president, criticized the BJP for its inability to effect change despite its power. The elections are set for April 29, with nominations closing soon. Additionally, an investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving AAP candidates is underway in Gujarat. Discover the full details of this political maneuver.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 18:44 IST

AAP's Decision Not to Participate in Mayor Elections

On Wednesday, just a day before the nomination deadline, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that it would not be contesting the mayoral elections for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The BJP holds a significant majority in the 250-member MCD assembly with 123 councillors, while AAP has 101 members, and the remaining seats are occupied by the Indraprastha Development Party (a breakaway faction of AAP), Congress, and independent councillors.

Saurabh Bhardwaj, the president of AAP in Delhi, stated that the party's decision to abstain from the mayoral elections aims to allow the BJP to take charge of the MCD and expose its failures. He emphasized that despite being in power at various levels, the BJP has failed to bring about any significant change in Delhi. According to Bhardwaj, only AAP knows how to deliver results, while the BJP struggles to perform.

The elections for the mayor, deputy mayor, and three members of the standing committee are scheduled for April 29. The nomination process for councillors will close on April 23 at 5 PM. Additionally, in Gujarat's Panchmahal district, police have initiated an investigation into alleged hawala transactions involving an AAP candidate and two party workers related to the upcoming Ghodhra municipal elections. This inquiry commenced ahead of the local body elections set for April 26.