New Delhi:
AAP Leaders Confront Police at Delhi CM’s Residence, Vow to Expose ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Allegations
In a dramatic standoff in New Delhi on Wednesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj were prevented by police from entering the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister at 6, Flagstaff Road. The AAP leaders had planned to visit the residence to counter allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the bungalow had been transformed into a luxurious “Sheesh Mahal” during Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure.
The controversy surrounds a renovation project that began in 2020, with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reporting an expenditure of over ₹33 crore, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of ₹7.9 crore. The BJP has seized on this issue, accusing Kejriwal of misusing public funds for lavish upgrades, including an 88-inch OLED TV, multiple Sony 4K OLED TVs, a luxury refrigerator, and a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa facilities, among other amenities.
When Singh and Bhardwaj, accompanied by media personnel, attempted to enter the residence, they were stopped by police citing a law and order situation. Singh questioned the police, arguing that the stoppage was a breach of privilege for an MP and a cabinet minister. “Why can’t we be allowed inside? BJP is spreading misinformation about a golden toilet, swimming pool, and minibar. Show us and show the media,” Singh said.
Bhardwaj also queried the authority behind the police orders, stating, “Only the Lieutenant Governor is above me. Who has given you the direction to stop us?” The AAP leaders emphasized that the BJP’s allegations were baseless and that they were being unfairly restricted from proving this point.
Following the standoff, the AAP leaders proceeded to the Prime Minister’s residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, but were again stopped. Singh reiterated the need for transparency, suggesting a tour of the Prime Minister’s residence to expose what AAP terms as the “Raj Mahal,” allegedly costing ₹2,700 crore.
The BJP has been vocal in its criticism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the perceived extravagance during a time of public hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari described the AAP’s actions as “melodrama,” pointing out the discrepancy between Kejriwal’s initial promises of austerity and the current allegations of luxury spending.
The Delhi Chief Minister’s residence has been vacant since Kejriwal stepped down after being granted bail in a corruption case. The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy has become a significant issue ahead of the upcoming Delhi polls, with both the BJP and Congress targeting Kejriwal over the alleged misuse of public funds.
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