Who Will Be the Next Delhi Mayor? BJP Holds Edge as Numbers Favour Majority

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New Delhi: With the tenure of the current Delhi Mayor nearing its end, preparations are underway for the next mayoral election, likely to be announced by the end of April. The national capital is expected to get a new Mayor in the coming month, with political equations once again taking centre stage.

The key question remains—who will be the next Mayor of Delhi? Going by the current numbers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to have a clear advantage, holding a majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

How the Numbers Stack Up:
The total number of voters in the mayoral election stands at 273. This includes:

  • 249 councillors
  • 14 MLAs nominated by the विधानसभा
  • 10 Members of Parliament (7 Lok Sabha + 3 Rajya Sabha)

The majority mark required to elect the Mayor is 137 votes.

Party-wise Strength:

  • BJP: 123 councillors + 7 MPs + 11 nominated MLAs = 141 votes
  • AAP: 100 councillors + 3 MPs + 3 nominated MLAs = 106 votes

Even if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secures support from other parties—Congress (9), Indraprastha Vikas Party (15), one Forward Bloc councillor, and one Independent—the total would reach only around 132 votes, still short of the majority mark.

Political Scenario:
While BJP holds a slender majority with 141 votes, it is still above the required threshold, making it the frontrunner. For AAP to form the Mayor, it would require significant cross-voting from BJP members, which appears unlikely under the current political climate.

Delhi has previously witnessed dramatic mayoral elections, including the 2022 polls where AAP secured victory after intense political tussle. However, with shifting political dynamics and current numerical strength, the balance now tilts in favour of BJP.

Unless there is an unexpected political development or cross-voting, the upcoming mayoral election is likely to see BJP securing the Mayor’s post once again.

Weather Alert Across India: Storms, Rain Likely in 12 States as Heatwave Continues; Delhi-NCR on High Alert

New Delhi: A major weather alert has been issued across India as sudden changes in atmospheric conditions have triggered a dual impact of heatwave and storm activity in multiple regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation over the country has begun influencing weather patterns, leading to alerts in more than 12 states. Areas including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are likely to witness thunderstorms, rain, lightning, and strong winds.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 50–60 kmph, which could disrupt normal life and pose safety risks. Authorities have warned that incidents of lightning strikes and strong gusty winds may prove dangerous, especially in open areas.

The changing weather pattern is also expected to impact agriculture, with standing crops at risk of damage due to sudden rain and storms. Horticulture activities may also be affected in several regions.

At the same time, parts of the country, especially Rajasthan and adjoining regions, continue to face intense heatwave conditions, leaving people struggling with extreme temperatures. This has created a “double impact” scenario—scorching heat in some regions and stormy weather in others.

The IMD has advised citizens to remain cautious, avoid venturing outdoors during adverse weather, and stay away from trees and open spaces during thunderstorms. Special precautions have been recommended for children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions.

The next 24 to 48 hours are considered crucial as authorities closely monitor how long the current weather pattern will persist and its potential impact across regions.

Delhi Steps Up Monsoon Prep: 40-Year-Old Covered Drain Opened, Over 14 Lakh MT Silt Cleared, Says Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh

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New Delhi: Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has intensified monsoon preparedness efforts, reviewing large-scale desilting operations across key drains in the city, including the Delhi Gate and Barapulla drains.

Sharing an update, the Minister said the Delhi Gate drain—covered for nearly 40 years—has now been opened for proper cleaning, marking a major step in addressing long-standing waterlogging issues. Over 21,000 metric tonnes of silt have already been removed from this stretch, with more than 70 percent of the work completed.

At the Barapulla drain, desilting work is also progressing rapidly, nearing 78 percent completion, with over 31,000 metric tonnes of silt cleared so far.

The Minister highlighted that across Delhi, desilting operations are in full swing. Out of 77 major drains, nearly 50 percent of the work has been completed, with more than 14 lakh metric tonnes of silt removed to date. The overall target for the city stands at 28 lakh metric tonnes.

The large-scale effort is part of the government’s strategy to ensure smoother water flow during the monsoon and prevent waterlogging in vulnerable areas, with continuous monitoring and accelerated execution being prioritised.

South Delhi Roads to Get Major Boost: Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Reviews Projects with MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

New Delhi: Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh held a review meeting at the Secretariat to discuss the construction and strengthening of roads in the South Delhi Parliamentary Constituency, signalling a renewed push for infrastructure development in the region.

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar, where key road projects and connectivity improvements were deliberated. The focus remained on accelerating work to ensure better road conditions and seamless connectivity across South Delhi.

Following the discussion, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said that rapid execution of projects will be ensured to strengthen infrastructure and address long-standing issues related to road quality in the constituency.

The meeting was also attended by Municipal Councillor Anita Singhal and District President Maya Singh Bisht, along with other officials, highlighting coordinated efforts at multiple levels to expedite development works.

Delhi Police Busts ISI Spy Network: 11 Arrested, CCTV Surveillance, Arms Smuggling; Grenade Attack Plot in Punjab Exposed

New Delhi: In a major counter-intelligence breakthrough, the Delhi Police Special Cell has busted a Pakistan-linked espionage and terror module, arresting 11 accused involved in a multi-layered network of surveillance, arms smuggling, and planned attacks. Investigators revealed that the network, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and linked to Babbar Khalsa International, was actively operating across several states with a focus on sensitive defence locations.

The probe uncovered that operatives had installed solar-powered CCTV cameras near key Army, BSF, and Air Force installations. These devices were transmitting live footage directly to handlers based in Pakistan through mobile applications, enabling real-time surveillance of strategic locations. Authorities confirmed that such installations were identified and dismantled across multiple locations, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and parts of North India.

Apart from espionage, the network was also deeply involved in cross-border arms smuggling. During the crackdown, police recovered multiple weapons, including four pistols, and exposed a structured supply chain linked to foreign handlers. The accused used layered communication channels and intermediaries to avoid detection, maintaining links not only in Pakistan but also in other international locations.

A critical aspect of the investigation is the revelation of a planned grenade attack module in Punjab. Praveen Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, stated on record that the accused were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of security establishments, including police stations and defence sites, and sharing photographs and videos to facilitate targeted grenade attacks. He confirmed that Punjab was a key focus area for these planned operations.

Further details indicate that the network functioned through three core components—installation of surveillance systems at sensitive locations, cross-border arms smuggling, and planning of terror attacks. Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Kumar Kushwaha highlighted that the module involved coordination between ISI handlers and members of Babbar Khalsa International, operating through multiple cut-outs and encrypted communication channels.

Investigators also revealed that the network recruited individuals from diverse backgrounds, including school dropouts, graduates, and even highly educated professionals. In several cases, unemployed youth were lured with money and indoctrinated into the operation. Specific roles were assigned within the network—some handled CCTV installations, while others were engaged in arms smuggling and logistics.

The probe has also established links between this module and a previously busted network in Ghaziabad, suggesting a larger coordinated operation managed by common handlers across borders.

Delhi Police officials described the operation as a significant success in dismantling a complex espionage and terror support system. Interrogation of the arrested accused is ongoing, with agencies working to identify additional operatives and further unravel the international linkages behind the network.

“No Waterlogging Goal This Monsoon”: CM Rekha Gupta Orders Citywide Drain Overhaul, Lessons from Minto Road to Guide Delhi

New Delhi: The Delhi government has set an ambitious target this monsoon—not just to drain accumulated water, but to ensure that waterlogging does not occur at all across the city.

Under the leadership of Rekha Gupta, a high-level review meeting was held to assess preparedness, where all departments were directed to work in close coordination to tackle the perennial issue of waterlogging.

Officials have been instructed to accelerate the cleaning of drains, ensure timely removal of silt, and deploy mechanised solutions to address the problem at its root. The focus is on preventive action rather than reactive measures during heavy rainfall.

The government pointed to the transformation witnessed at Minto Road last year as a successful model. Once notorious for severe waterlogging, the area saw significant improvement due to proper planning and consistent monitoring.

Building on that success, the same strategy—combining infrastructure upgrades, real-time monitoring, and inter-departmental coordination—will now be implemented across Delhi to deliver a long-term solution to waterlogging challenges.

Narela Quarrel Turns Fatal: Man Dies After Head Injury, Murder Charge Added

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New Delhi: A neighborhood dispute in Delhi’s Narela area has turned fatal, with a 55-year-old man succumbing to head injuries days after a quarrel. Police have registered a murder charge and arrested one accused in the case.

On March 30, 2026, around 9:30 PM, police at PS Narela received information about a fight in Village Bakner. A police team reached the spot, but the injured had already been shifted to SRHC Hospital.

At the hospital, officers met a 60-year-old woman and her son Mohit (30), both of whom had sustained minor injuries. Mohit informed police that a dispute had broken out with their neighbor Krishan and his sons Ankit and Golu over sitting on a chabutra. During the altercation, the accused allegedly assaulted them, causing Rajendra (55) to fall.

Based on the complaint, FIR No. 193/26 was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The next day, March 31, Rajendra complained of severe head pain and dizziness. He was taken to SRHC Hospital and later referred to LNJP Hospital, where doctors diagnosed internal head injuries that led to paralysis.

On April 1, Rajendra succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Following his death, Section 105 of the BNS (murder) was added to the case. The body has been handed over to the family after postmortem procedures.

Police have arrested accused Golu in connection with the case, while further investigation is underway to ascertain the full sequence of events and involvement of others.

The incident highlights how minor disputes can escalate into serious violence, prompting authorities to stress the need for timely intervention in neighborhood conflicts.

Scrap-to-Scam Racket Busted in Delhi: 1,600+ Fake Phones Seized in Crime Branch Raid

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New Delhi: In a major crackdown on counterfeit electronics, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a large-scale fake mobile phone racket operating out of Karol Bagh and Anand Parbat, seizing over 1,658 counterfeit devices and exposing an interstate fraud network.

The operation revealed illegal assembly units where scrap and discarded mobile components were refurbished, repackaged, and sold as branded smartphones to unsuspecting customers. Investigators found widespread IMEI tampering, allowing the devices to evade detection and traceability.

The racket, spanning multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal, functioned on a high-volume, low-cost fraud model targeting budget buyers. Authorities confirmed that two accused have been arrested, while further investigation is underway to identify additional links in the network.

The operation was led by Inspector Mahipal Singh under the supervision of ACP Satendra Mohan and overall command of Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.

DCP Crime Branch Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, officials emphasized that evolving crime patterns are being met with equally advanced enforcement strategies. “This operation sends a strong message that while crime may evolve, law enforcement is constantly adapting to stay ahead,” he said.

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious while purchasing electronic devices, especially from unauthorized sellers, and to verify product authenticity to avoid falling prey to such frauds.

Delhi Cyber Crime Crackdown: Two Accused Arrested in ₹74 Lakh Investment Fraud Cases, DCP Aditya Gautam Warns Public

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New Delhi: In a major crackdown on organized cyber investment frauds, the Delhi Police has arrested two key accused in separate cases involving a total cheated amount exceeding ₹74 lakh. The operation has exposed a well-structured cyber fraud network involving mule bank accounts, foreign handlers, cryptocurrency transactions, and advanced digital tools designed to evade law enforcement.

Aditya Gautam, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Delhi, said, “These cases highlight the growing sophistication of cyber fraud networks. Citizens must remain cautious of unsolicited investment offers on WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms, and immediately report suspicious activity on helpline 1930.”

Case 1: Key Facilitator Arrested in ₹27.82 Lakh Fraud
A case was registered under E-FIR No. 60000395/25 at Cyber Cell, West District, based on a complaint received through helpline 1930. The victim was lured via a WhatsApp group into investing in stock trading, IPOs, and OTC platforms, and was duped of ₹27.82 lakh.

Investigations revealed that fake investment opportunities were circulated through social media, with victims persuaded to transfer funds into multiple layered bank accounts. These accounts were procured on commission, and SIM cards linked to them were remotely controlled using APK-based message forwarding applications. The accounts were used briefly and abandoned to avoid detection.

A dedicated police team, under the supervision of senior officers, tracked digital footprints and financial trails, leading to the arrest of accused Rahul Tyagi from Greater Noida. During interrogation, he disclosed links with foreign handlers through Telegram, operation of 10–12 bank accounts for China-based networks, and receipt of payments via cryptocurrency (USDT through Binance) and later in cash. He reportedly earned ₹14–15 lakh from the racket and had prior involvement in a ₹2.5 crore cyber fraud case investigated by Mumbai Police.

Case 2: Mule Account Holder Arrested in ₹47 Lakh Fraud
In a separate operation, Cyber Cell, South East Delhi, arrested Rinku (36), a mule account holder, in connection with a ₹47 lakh investment fraud case.

The complainant was cheated through similar fraudulent investment schemes. Investigation revealed that ₹31.45 lakh of the defrauded amount was routed through the accused’s bank account, which he had linked to a SIM card handed over to co-accused individuals. The funds were subsequently layered and transferred across multiple accounts to mask the trail.

Rinku was traced and arrested from Greater Noida following technical surveillance and financial analysis. Police recovered a mobile phone from his possession during the operation.

Public Advisory:
Delhi Police has urged citizens to exercise caution against unsolicited investment offers circulated via WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media platforms. Authorities have reiterated that any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to prevent financial losses.

LG Taranjeet Singh Urges Delhi Residents to Use ‘LG Listening Post’ for Grievance Redressal

New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Taranjeet Singh has encouraged residents of Delhi to actively share their grievances through the “LG Listening Post” platform, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to responsive governance.

In a message shared on social media, the LG stated that every citizen’s voice matters and assured that concerns will be heard with sensitivity and addressed with care.

Residents can submit their grievances through multiple channels, including the official website, mobile application, and email, ensuring convenient and timely access to redressal mechanisms.

The initiative aims to strengthen communication between citizens and the administration, enabling quicker resolution of issues and improving public service delivery across the capital.

Officials highlighted that the “LG Listening Post” platform is designed to provide an efficient and transparent system for handling complaints, reinforcing the government’s focus on citizen-centric governance.