New Delhi: A controversy has erupted after a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, headed by Arvind Kejriwal, was caught on camera tossing notes into the air in a celebration of his victory in a local Delhi election.

Nand Kishore Beniwal was among those who was elected to the board that governs the Delhi cantonment area or army base in the capital of about 11,000 acres. It has eight members and is tasked with managing public health, street lighting and other civic facilities.

The three major parties – Congress, BJP and AAP – contested the election; the result will be used by them to gauge the mood of voters as the capital gets ready for elections. Since AAP was founded in 2012, this was the first time it contested the Cantonment Board election.

The state election – dates will be announced later today – will see Mr Kejriwal asking voters to return him to power. He resigned a year ago after serving a 49-day term as Chief Minister, provoking much criticism; he later described his quitting as a mistake.

Delhi was then governed by the Centre through President’s Rule till the last assembly of 67 members was dissolved, paving the way for new elections.

The BJP’s campaign is being led by the Prime Minister, who held a rally in the capital over the weekend.