Delhi: Chaos In MCD House As BJP Demands Formation Of Standing Committee — WATCH

The disturbance commenced within ten minutes of the proceedings as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House convened a meeting today.

Commotion ensued during the proceedings in the MCD House on Monday as the opposition pressed for the establishment of a Standing Committee. Several BJP councillors stood up, holding banners that read 'Sthayi Samiti Gathan Karo' (Set up a Standing Committee) and chanted slogans. The disturbance commenced within ten minutes of the proceedings as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House convened a meeting today.

The BJP alleged that the AAP is aware it cannot secure a majority in the MCD's Standing Committee poll, as many of its councillors are not expected to vote for the party. Similar visuals came from the Delhi civic body house last week. 

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Earlier, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to allow the MCD to perform the functions of the Standing Committee until the committee is formally constituted.

During a special session of the MCD, Oberoi had proposed transferring the powers of the Standing Committee to the House. The BJP councillors opposed the move, labeling it "illegal and unconstitutional".

Oberoi's plea, with the lieutenant governor's office as a respondent, seeks a directive for the smooth operation of the civic body.

It is to be noted that the formation of the committee has been pending for a year.

The constitution of the panel has been on hold since the mayoral poll last February, as the AAP and BJP contested for control over the committee, the MCD’s primary decision-making body with executive powers for approving projects worth over Rs 5 crore.

While six members of the panel were elected by the MCD House in February last year, the remaining 12 members were to be elected by ward committees from as many zones in the city. The election could not be held as the AAP challenged the voting rights of nominated members of the ward committees in the Supreme Court.

Oberoi points out that the LG appointed nominated people to the panel without the aid and advice of the Delhi government, awaiting a decision on the legality of these appointments, with the judgment reserved on May 17 last year. She argues that, given its superior status to the Standing Committee, the MCD House is the appropriate entity for exercising the committee's functions, both in power and accountability.