Security tightened at Delhi Civic Centre ahead of ward committee polls

NEW DELHI: Security has been tightened in and around the Civic Centre in central Delhi as officials anticipate a potential clash between workers of the opposition BJP and the ruling AAP during the MCD's ward committee polls on Wednesday.

A company of paramilitary personnel along with Delhi Police has been deployed to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the election process.

A senior police officer confirmed the deployment stating, "The personnel have been instructed to prevent any untoward incident during the election process."

The move comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Tuesday night ordered the MCD commissioner to notify the appointment of deputy commissioners as presiding officers for the polls. This directive followed Mayor Shelly Oberoi’s refusal to do so due to what she termed as an "undemocratic election process."

Earlier on Tuesday evening, Oberoi resisted appointing presiding officers and expressed her concerns. She stated, "My conscience does not allow me to participate in an undemocratic election process."

Oberoi also instructed MCD commissioner Ashwani Kumar to restart the election process and provide at least one week for filing nominations. This last-minute intervention by the LG, executed under special powers granted by the DMC Act and deemed in the "larger public interest," aims to end the uncertainty about the upcoming polls.

The elections are set to proceed on Wednesday, September 4, despite the ongoing tension and security concerns.