BJP’s Wahi elected mayor, vows no sealing action | Delhi News

New Delhi: BJP candidate Pravesh Wahi, the councillor from Rohini E, was elected the mayor of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday, securing 156 out of 165 votes. No cross-voting was reported.Notably, 15 councillors from Indraprastha Vikas Party extended support to BJP. The Congress candidate, Kabir Nagar councillor Haji Zarif, secured nine votes while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors did not contest.Addressing the media after assuming office, Wahi announced that no sealing drive would be carried out in Delhi, assuring residents running commercial activities that they need not worry.Referring to recent SC directions to municipalities to identify misuse of residential premises for commercial purposes, Wahi said the order mandates a detailed survey and submission of a report. “Nowhere in the order has sealing of properties been directed. Some people and officials have tried to create panic that the survey may lead to sealing. I warn them not to spread misinformation,” he said, adding, “As per Master Plan of Delhi 2021, commercial activities up to 20 sqm are permitted even in residential areas, except for polluting units. Based on the survey, we will focus on improving civic services like sanitation and streetlighting.”Thanking the Centre, CM Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, Wahi said Delhi govt was working to improve roads, drainage revamp and desilting of major drains, and MCD will complement efforts by taking sanitation levels to a new high.“New concessionaires are being engaged for waste collection, and we have received Rs 50 crore from Delhi govt to procure additional machinery for cleaning unattended areas. Action will be taken against non-performing contractors,” Wahi said. He also stressed a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning of strict action against officials failing to meet their responsibilities.Wahi said financially, MCD is in a better position compared to previous years. “We are no longer struggling to pay salaries regularly and are reducing debts. A budget of Rs 11,666 crore has been allocated for this financial year, which will be utilised effectively.”He assured Delhi’s three landfills will be flattened within set timelines. The mayor is scheduled to visit the Bhalswa landfill and the Ghogha cow dung plant on Thursday to review progress.“In the sanitation survey, Delhi improved its rank from 92 to 33. We aim to reach the top 10 in the Swachh Survekshan. The condition of schools and health centres will also be improved,” he said, adding efforts will be made to plug revenue leakages in parking and advertisement departments.The election for the deputy mayor’s post saw a late twist after Congress councillor from Mubarakpur Rajesh Kumar Gupta withdrew at the last minute. BJP councillor Monika Pant was subsequently declared deputy mayor.Pant said efforts will be made to ease congestion near Anand Vihar bus depot through coordination with agencies. “There have been court directions and demolition drives in the past. We will ensure encroachments don’t return,” she said.The process to elect three members to the standing committee concluded smoothly, with BJP candidates Jai Bhagwan Yadav and Manish Chadha, along with AAP councillor Jalaj Chaudhary, being elected unanimously.Sachdeva, who was present at Civic Centre, said the elected team constitutes experience and youthful energy. “While experienced leaders like Wahi and Yadav have been chosen, younger leaders like Pant and Chadha have been given the opportunity to learn and serve. Wahi’s experience as a councillor will contribute to improving upkeep in Delhi,” he said.