AAP govt threatens to take over BJP-run East Delhi municipal corporation

Legally if the central govt gives a go ahead, the corporation can be dissolved

The stage seems to be set for a face-off between the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government in Delhi after the state government threatened to take steps to dissolve the BJP-run East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC).

While Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday said the government will approach the Lieutenant Governor, sources confirm that they are still seeking legal opinion on the issue. The state BJP expectedly has hit back at the AAP advising it to get its own house in order before issuing such threats.  

As per section 490 of the of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957, “If, in the opinion of the Central government, the corporation persistently makes default in the performance of the duties imposed on it by or under this Act or exceeds or abuses its powers, the Central government may by an order published, together with a statement of reasons therefore, in the Official Gazette, dissolve the Corporation.”    

Hence the state can approach the Centre through the Lt Governor making out grounds for why the EDMC should be dissolved. The AAP led state government believes the EDMC has become financially unviable recommending its administrative takeover.   

However whether the BJP led central government will accede to such a request to dissolve the BJP controlled EDMC which is an elected body, is questionable. 

BB Tyagi, standing committee chairman of the EDMC dismissed the government's statements as 'lies and hollow threats.' "Instead of simply resorting to loud bluster they should help us with funds to run the corporation," he said.