Expansion
The name of the presiding officer is likely to be decided by the lieutenant governor’s office on Monday. It will be clear whether the name of Mukesh Goyal suggested by the Delhi government will be stamped or any other responsibility will be given.
The mayor’s election is to be held on April 26. About 48 hours before the election, there is a provision to issue notification in writing to the corporation members and the MPs and MLAs participating in the election. It is expected that before this the name of the presiding officer will be decided.
Under Section-77A of the Corporation Act 1957, the Lieutenant Governor has the right to choose the presiding officer for the mayor, deputy mayor election. They can appoint any councilor as presiding officer at their discretion. Only he should not be a candidate for election. So far it has been the practice that an experienced or senior councilor is appointed as the presiding officer on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor.
Mukesh has been made the presiding officer earlier also
Earlier, Mukesh Goyal, a leader of the Congress party, was appointed as the presiding officer on behalf of the LG during the mayoral election in 2021, but for the previous election of the mayor, when the Urban Development Department of Delhi sent the name of Mukesh Goyal to the presiding officer. So the Lt. Governor did not select him saying that a case has been registered against him.
Many councilors in race to become officers
Many senior councilors are in the race to become the presiding officer. Among them the names of Satya Sharma, Neema Bhagat, Kamaljeet Sehrawat etc. are discussed. If BJP councilors are to be believed then Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena can appoint whoever he wants as the presiding officer. They have this right legally.
