Slogans, aggression, protests: How the ruckus during Delhi’s mayor election unfolded

Scheduled to take place on January 24, Delhi’s mayor election is postponed – again. Soon after the newly-elected councillors took oath at MCD House, unruly scenes unfolded both inside and outside.

The AAP claimed the commotion began due to the presence of certain BJP MPs, but the BJP pointed fingers at an AAP councillor who strayed into the oath-taking space. Amidst this confusion, the House was adjourned indefinitely.

But what really happened and why? 

Shortly before the oath-taking ceremony began, AAP councillor Jaswant Singh told Newslaundry, “We didn’t have a strategy earlier. We don’t have one now. If an oath is administered, we will cooperate. Else, if they fight, we too shall reciprocate.”

Then at 11 am, presiding officer Satya Sharma, who is a BJP councillor, said the aldermen would take oath first. AAP leaders began shouting “shame, shame”. BJP councillors retaliated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram”. While taking oath, some AAP councillors ended with “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.

Tension and aggression spilled over outside the meeting hall too, where AAP and BJP supporters tried to out-shout each other with chants of “Modi, Modi” and “jhaadu, jhaadu”. It was yet another farcical chapter in the proceedings of the House.

Watch.