BJP Accuses Kejriwal Of Holding Onto 'Sheesh Mahal' Amid Atishi's Move To CM Bungalow

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not officially vacated his official residence at 6 Flagstaff Road, commonly referred to as the 'Sheesh Mahal.'

This claim comes on the same day that the newly appointed Chief Minister, Atishi, moved into the bungalow previously occupied by Kejriwal.

Photo Credit: PTI

Kejriwal, who stepped down from his position on October 4, had lived in the bungalow for a decade. BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva released a letter from the Public Works Department (PWD) directed to Prashant Ranjan Jha, Special Secretary of the Chief Minister's Office, alleging that Kejriwal still retains possession of the official residence despite his departure.

"Four days ago, we witnessed the theatrics of Arvind Kejriwal leaving the bungalow while holding his parents' hands. However, according to government rules, he still holds onto the Sheesh Mahal," Sachdeva claimed. He characterized the handover of keys as a staged performance intended to garner sympathy, noting that Sunita Kejriwal merely handed the keys over to an official for the cameras.

The term 'Sheesh Mahal' has become a focal point for the BJP, which has campaigned against the alleged irregularities in the bungalow's construction and the expenses incurred for its lavish interiors. The party emphasizes that the residence is not designated as the official home for the Delhi Chief Minister but is instead a common pool bungalow under the jurisdiction of the PWD. An ongoing investigation by the vigilance department is looking into the renovations made to the property.

Sachdeva further noted that protocol dictates that keys should have been handed over to Section Officer Vijay Kumar upon vacating the residence. However, he alleged that the keys were handed over for public display and were retrieved shortly after by Jha.

"In instances of vacating government bungalows, an inventory is typically conducted, and the condition of the premises is documented through videography. None of these standard procedures were followed in this case," he added.

Atishi's Quick Transition Raises Questions

Following Kejriwal's departure, Atishi swiftly sought allocation of the bungalow for herself. Sachdeva expressed concerns about this quick transition, questioning, "What is Chief Minister Atishi Marlena trying to conceal by moving into the bungalow so soon after Kejriwal's exit?"

He further remarked that the people of Delhi are puzzled by the ongoing disputes over the keys and wonder what might be hidden within the Sheesh Mahal that prevents Kejriwal from fully relinquishing control to the Public Works Department, even temporarily.

As political tensions continue to rise, the situation surrounding the official residence remains a point of contention in Delhi's political landscape.