Delhi’s Bungalow Row: AAP vs BJP over Renovation Allegations

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• Delhi witnessed a political showdown as AAP and BJP clashed over renovation allegations of the Chief Minister’s residence.
• AAP leaders attempted to organize a media tour of the CM’s residence to counter BJP’s claims, but the police stopped them.
• BJP accused Kejriwal of spending over Rs 40 crore on the CM’s bungalow, while AAP retaliated by criticizing the PM’s residence cost.
• Police denied AAP leaders entry into the CM’s house, leading to a standoff.
• BJP questioned the necessity of Atishi, another AAP leader, residing in a lavish bungalow meant for the CM.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

The Bungalow Controversy:

The ongoing political saga between AAP and BJP escalated in Delhi regarding the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. AAP leaders, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj, attempted to organize a media tour at the CM’s residence, 6 Flag Staff Road, to counter BJP’s accusations of wasteful spending. However, the Delhi police intervened, blocking their attempts and sparking heated arguments. The BJP accused the Delhi government of spending over Rs 40 crore on lavish renovations, dubbing the residence ‘Sheeshmahal,’ a term highlighting the alleged extravagance.

Renovation Allegations and Counterclaims:

The BJP’s accusations focus on the reported lavish expenditure of taxpayer money on refurbishing the CM’s residence. BJP leaders have criticized the scale of the renovations, while AAP leaders responded by highlighting the expensive lifestyle of the Prime Minister in a government-funded residence that cost Rs 2,700 crore to construct. AAP counters the allegations by accusing BJP of targeting the CM’s residence for political gain while overlooking similar projects under the central government.

Police Intervention and AAP’s Protest:

In an effort to challenge the BJP’s claims, AAP leaders tried to enter the CM’s residence, but police restricted their entry citing a lack of permission. Saurabh Bharadwaj, an AAP minister, challenged the action by the police, suggesting that the blockage was part of an order from the Lt Governor’s office. Frustration boiled over into a confrontation between the police and the AAP leaders, resulting in a public display of defiance.

AAP’s Move Toward PM’s Residence:

Not deterred, AAP leaders tried to visit the Prime Minister’s residence, seeking to highlight what they termed as discrepancies in BJP’s approach to allegations. However, police cited restrictions under Section 163 (formerly Section 144) to prevent the protest, instructing AAP not to engage in further public demonstrations. AAP’s efforts to turn the tables on BJP’s accusations with live media coverage and public challenges only added fuel to the heated exchange.

BJP’s Reaction and Further Questions:

As the political tension mounted, BJP’s Delhi President, Virendra Sachdeva, paid a visit to AAP leader Atishi’s residence. Sachdeva questioned why the CM, when granted a lavish 6 Flag Staff Road bungalow, preferred a costly residence. Atishi had earlier alleged that the Centre had revoked the allotment of this specific bungalow because of non-occupation, fueling additional speculation.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

• The political dispute regarding the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence has triggered intense confrontations between AAP and BJP.
• BJP claims over Rs 40 crore were spent on renovating the CM’s bungalow, which AAP dismisses, pointing to the PM’s residence cost.
• AAP leaders attempted to tour the CM residence to showcase the truth but were blocked by police, who cited government orders.
• BJP further criticized AAP’s actions, particularly questioning the necessity of residing in the ‘luxurious’ Chief Minister’s bungalow.
• Amidst the turmoil, BJP demanded an explanation from Atishi on her claim that the central government had revoked the bungalow’s allocation.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio