New Delhi, Apr 8 : BJP councillor Azad Singh was today elected unopposed as the Mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation at a meeting of the House today.
A former teacher, who has twice served as the Deputy Mayor, represents Mundka constituency in rural Narela.
Singh was elected unopposed as no other councillor had filed nomination.
"He is a grassroots worker and has tirelessly worked for the better of people in the villages," said Leader of the House Mahendra Nagpal while congratulating the newly-elected Mayor.
Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Goyal expressed confidence that Singh will take the opposition along in the working of the corporation. "I have had the opportunity to work with Azad Singh and I believe he will not politicize the post he holds. As long as he takes us along, he will have our full support," he said.
Talking to reporters later, Singh vowed to continue to focus improving civic facilities for rural population.
He said "there will be no house tax in rural areas during my tenure."
He also announced plans to recruit 2,000 sweepers to work in unauthorized colonies.
"I have spoken with the Commissioner and we will complete the process in the next two months," Singh added.
Talking about priority areas, Singh listed building of parking spaces, anti-rabies programme, sanitation, provision of new uniforms for school children and improving revenue generation for the civic body.
Meera Agrawal, who today stepped down from her position as the Mayor after the completion of the year-long tenure, hailed the leadership qualities of the new Mayor. "His working style is exemplary and he has the capacity to take everyone together," she said.
Earlier in the day, her speech as the outgoing Mayor was interrupted by Goyal who insisted that as the presiding officer, she should just get on with the election. "There is no need to make speeches," he said, after which Agrawal began the proceedings for appointing Singh to the post.
Also, BJP councilor Poornima Vidyarthi was elected unopposed to the post of Deputy Mayor. Standing committee members, which included Mukesh Goyal from Congress, Ram Kishan Singhal and Mohan Bhardwaj (both from the BJP) were also elected to the financial decision-making body.
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