Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Ex-AAP MLA Shoaib Iqbal Quits Party Over MCD Bypoll Ticket Row
A former politician named Shoaib Iqbal has left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) because he is unhappy with who the party chose to run for a local council seat in the Chandni Mahal area.
Iqbal used to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for this area.
He feels the AAP did not pick a good candidate and that the party has changed from its original goals.
The AAP, on the other hand, says they want to give chances to their dedicated party workers, not people who are just parachuted in or related to politicians.
They stated that the candidate chosen for Chandni Mahal, Muddasir Usman Qureshi, is a long-time worker and was picked after looking at survey results.
Iqbal believes the party might fall apart like others that started from movements.
His son is currently an MLA in the same region.
The election for this local seat is happening on November 30.
Former AAP MLA Shoaib Iqbal has resigned from the party due to dissatisfaction with the candidate selected for the Chandni Mahal ward in the upcoming MCD by-elections.
Iqbal criticized AAP's choice of Muddasir Usman Qureshi and highlighted his own and his son's electoral success in the area.
AAP stated that tickets are prioritized for party workers, not 'parachute candidates' or relatives, and that their chosen candidate was selected based on an internal survey.
Iqbal expressed concerns that the AAP, like other parties born from movements, is losing its way and facing potential disintegration.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections for 12 wards, including Chandni Mahal, are scheduled for November 30.
- Who
- Former AAP MLA Shoaib Iqbal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- What
- Shoaib Iqbal announced his resignation from AAP due to dissatisfaction with the party's candidate selection for the Chandni Mahal ward in the upcoming MCD by-elections.
- When
- Sunday, the day AAP announced its candidates for the MCD bypolls
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- Disagreement over ticket distribution, with Iqbal feeling his preferred candidate was overlooked and expressing broader dissatisfaction with the party's direction.
Shoaib Iqbal's Stance
AAP's Stance
Ticket Distribution for Chandni Mahal Ward
Shoaib Iqbal's Stance
Shoaib Iqbal is unhappy with AAP's choice of Muddasir Usman Qureshi for the Chandni Mahal ward by-election, citing his own and his son's strong electoral history in the area and asserting that the chosen candidate is unknown.
AAP's Stance
AAP states that tickets are given to party workers, not 'parachute candidates' or relatives, and that Muddasir Usman Qureshi, a long-time youth wing worker, was selected based on an internal survey.
Party Direction and Philosophy
Shoaib Iqbal's Stance
Shoaib Iqbal believes the AAP has lost its way from its original movement-based principles and is facing disintegration, comparing it to other parties born from movements that have fizzled out.
AAP's Stance
AAP's policy is to prioritize party workers for tickets to ensure fair opportunities, and they avoid selecting relatives of established politicians.
- Former MLA's Name
- Shoaib Iqbal
- Party Quitted
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- Reason for Quitting
- Disagreement over ticket distribution for the Chandni Mahal ward in the MCD by-elections.
- Ward for Bypoll
- Chandni Mahal
- AAP's Candidate for Ward
- Muddasir Usman Qureshi
- Shoaib Iqbal's Son
- Aaley Mohammad Iqbal (MLA from Matia Mahal)
- Election Date
- November 30
Sources
After AAP releases MCD bypoll candidate list, veteran leader Shoaib Iqbal quits: ‘Party not living up to people’s expectations’
Ex-AAP MLA Shoaib Iqbal Quits Party Over Delhi Civic Body Polls Ticket Dispute
'Will Never Return': Former MLA Shoaib Iqbal Quits AAP Over MCD Bypolls Ticket Dispute
Delhi MCD Bypolls: BJP, Congress, AAP Release Candidate Lists For 12 Wards; Voting On November 30, Results To Test Political Mood
