New Delhi:
The controversy over the Delhi Chief Minister's bungalow – once occupied by Arvind Kejriwal – has intensified ahead of the Assembly elections in the national capital. The BJP refers to the bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road as “sheesh mahal” – or palace of mirrors, connoting opulence and luxury.
“We have told you the truth about the glass palace of debauchery of the person who calls himself a common man @ArvindKejriwal, today we will show you too! He built himself a seven-star resort by embezzling government funds! Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva said in an online post.
I think it's good @ArvindKejriwal I think I did it right Yes, I think I did!
You can find a 7-star resort within a 7-star resort. Sure!
शानदार Gym-Sauna Room-Jacuzzi की कीमत!
• Marble Granite Lighting → ₹ 1.9 Cr.
•Installation-Civil… pic.twitter.com/QReaeNMRQ8— Virendraa Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva) December 10, 2024
He estimated the cost of the bungalow at a whopping Rs 3.75 crore, equipped with a gym, sauna room and jacuzzi. The bungalow had marble granite lighting at a cost of Rs 1.9 crore, while civil work required another Rs 1.5 crore, his post suggested, adding that the fit-out of the gym and spa alone cost Rs 35 lakh cost.
The mention of the award was a joke on the AAP supremo's 'aam aadmi' slogan and his claim to live like a common man. “How those who swear on their children and falsely promise not to take away the house, car and security of the government are looting the money of the taxpayers of Delhi,” the BJP leader said.
“Meanwhile, the common man of Delhi, DDA's 34 EWS Flat, or 15 LIG Flat, or 150 CNG Auto, or 326 E-Rickshaw can buy it! red with corruption Wow Kejriwal!! Nothing else to say!!” added the message.
The AAP dismissed the allegations as 'baseless propaganda', with Manish Sisodia, former deputy prime minister, accusing the BJP of diverting attention from pressing issues.
“Instead of answering critical questions about the mismanagement of funds for schools, mid-day meals and hospitals in states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, they are focusing on Kejriwal's former official residence. People are asking about education and healthcare reforms, they are talking about a bungalow,” the AAP leader said.
The BJP has accused Mr Kejriwal of several irregularities in the renovation of the official residence when he was still in the top post. Earlier this year, the opposition party in Delhi had said the AAP had spent over Rs 45 crore taxpayers' money on the renovations, betraying the promise of a 'simple life' he had made when he entered politics.
In September, the CBI launched an investigation into the alleged violation of procurement rules during the construction of the bungalow. No regular case was filed, pending sufficient details from the investigation.
The AAP had accused the BJP of trying to destroy the Kejriwal-led party “with all its might”. Mr Kejriwal had also dismissed the allegations and welcomed any inquiry into the renovation of the bungalow. But, he said, they would find no evidence of any illegal activity.
