Mahesh Khinchi Becomes Delhi’s First Dalit Mayor
Aam Aadmi Party’s Mahesh Khinchi has been elected as Delhi’s next Mayor. He narrowly defeated BJP’s Kishan Pal, securing 133 votes to Pal’s 130 in a closely contested election.
Congress Walkout and Cross-Voting Claims
The election was marked by chaos. Congress members staged a walkout, demanding a full one-year term for the first Dalit Mayor. Despite this, Congress Councillor Sabila Begum stayed to vote for Khinchi, resigning from the party with her husband, Mohammad Khushnood.
The BJP, which had 120 members, gained 10 additional votes. They attributed this to cross-voting by AAP councillors. In a statement, the BJP called it a “victory for democracy” and criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
A Short Tenure Amid Delays
Khinchi’s tenure will last only five months. The election, originally scheduled for April, was postponed several times. The delays stemmed from political disputes, including Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the excise policy case and procedural disagreements between AAP and the BJP.
Controversy Surrounding Election Procedures
In September, AAP boycotted the election, protesting frisking of councillors. Congress also abstained. Further delays occurred over the appointment of a presiding officer by the Lieutenant Governor.
Despite these challenges, Khinchi’s victory marks a historic moment as Delhi’s first Dalit Mayor takes office.
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