Delhi’s MCD pollution debate ended in disorder on Thursday after councillors from the AAP, BJP and Congress clashed over ward funds, civic failures and personal remarks, forcing the House to wind up before it could hold a meaningful discussion on anti-pollution measures.
The confrontation began after Mayor Pravesh Wahi announced a provision of Rs 25 lakh per ward from the councillors’ discretionary fund and invited members to discuss pollution mitigation work on the ground. AAP councillors responded that the BJP-led corporation had earlier sanctioned only Rs 50 lakh out of the Rs 2 crore announced at the beginning of the financial year.
Wahi assured the House that the entire amount would be allocated during his tenure. He also highlighted measures taken by the Delhi government, including the opening of a third biogas plant, regularisation of 1,497 sanitation workers, deployment of 12 new jetting machines and a Rs 10,000 increase in the salaries of domestic breeding checkers.
Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang questioned the limited allocation and said little was visible on the ground to address pollution and other civic problems. He asked the commissioner to clarify the responsibilities of officers and specify the action that would follow if pollution-mitigation measures were not initiated. Narang also raised garbage accumulation despite the ‘Kude Se Azaadi’ campaign, the death of trees planted under civic drives and action against illegal paying guest accommodations.
The exchange intensified after Narang referred to the Satya Niketan collapse and questioned why officials who had been suspended had not faced stronger accountability. When the mayor said five people had been suspended, Narang asked why Wahi had not resigned on moral grounds. BJP councillors then attempted to take papers from Narang, according to the report.
Congress councillor Naziya Danish accused AAP councillors of repeatedly disrupting House proceedings and made remarks about Narang’s responsibilities outside Delhi. AAP councillors accused her of acting as the BJP’s “B-team”. The argument escalated after Danish referred to Shagufta Chaudhary, who allegedly approached the mayor’s seat and threw papers, tea and water at those nearby. Microphones were snatched and councillors jostled in front of the mayor, while marshals escorted Wahi away from his seat.
Chaudhary later said she had not been allowed to speak and alleged that microphones were switched off when she approached the mayor’s seat. At a news conference, Wahi said the matter had been referred to the disciplinary committee and that action, including possible suspension, would be taken against those found guilty. He said Chaudhary could have raised her objections when her turn came and accused AAP councillors of disrupting discussions.
Despite the disruption, 23 of the 24 proposals placed before the House were approved. The proposal related to Solid Waste Management bylaws 2026 was postponed, while the other approved proposals concerned improved solid waste management services. The disciplinary committee is expected to examine the conduct of councillors involved in the confrontation.
