New Delhi: After the announcement of the Delhi Assembly election date, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj held a press conference. Atishi claimed that late last night, the central BJP government had removed her belongings from her official residence. She added that this was the second time in three months that this had happened.
The Public Works Department (PWD) issued a response, stating that Atishi had never actually stayed in the CM residence, and that her allotment was canceled for not taking possession of the property.
PWD’s Response:
According to a letter from the PWD, the CM residence at 6 Flagstaff Road was never occupied by Atishi. PWD said that Atishi had been asked multiple times to take possession of the property, but she did not comply. The department also offered her two new residences, one at Raj Nivas Lane and another in Daryaganj.
The PWD also clarified that according to rules, if an allottee does not take physical possession of the allotted property within five working days after the issuance of a “Habitability Certificate,” the allotment automatically stands canceled.
Additionally, the letter mentioned that a CBI investigation into the CM residence was ongoing, and the Directorate of Vigilance had recently sought factual information about certain allegations regarding the construction and renovation of the residence.
Sanjay Singh Challenges BJP:
In response to the claims about the CM residence, Sanjay Singh, an AAP leader, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders. He mocked claims made by BJP about the CM residence having a “mini-bar,” “golden toilets,” and a “swimming pool.” Singh then compared it to the lavish “Raj Mahal” built for the Prime Minister in Delhi, which reportedly cost ₹2,700 crores.
Singh also criticized the Prime Minister’s personal expenses, claiming that Modi spent millions on luxury items, including ₹300 crores for carpets, ₹200 crores for chandeliers, and a wardrobe filled with expensive suits and shoes. He challenged BJP to show the public the true cost and opulence of the PM’s residence, inviting them to visit both the Delhi CM residence and the PM’s “Raj Mahal.”
Atishi’s Response:
Atishi responded to the cancellation of her residence allotment by saying that the BJP believed that by removing her from the CM residence and resorting to personal attacks, they could stop the work AAP was doing for the people of Delhi. She firmly stated that such tactics would not stop her efforts and vowed that if necessary, she would work for the people of Delhi from any residence, even from the homes of BJP members themselves.
BJP’s Allegations on Kejriwal’s Mansion:
A month ago, Delhi BJP released a video of the CM residence, accusing Arvind Kejriwal of building a luxurious “Sheesh Mahal” for himself. The BJP claimed that Kejriwal had built a 7-star resort despite previously saying he would not occupy a government house. The mansion’s renovation reportedly cost ₹45 crore, with expenses including ₹1.9 crore on marble granite and lighting, ₹1.5 crore on repairs, and ₹35 lakh on a gym and spa.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva questioned how Kejriwal justified spending so much on his residence while development work for the people of Delhi was stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, AAP clarified that the building, constructed in 1942, was in a dilapidated condition, with leaking ceilings, some of which had collapsed. A Public Works Department audit led to necessary repairs being made to the residence.
Delhi Assembly Election Announcement:
The election for Delhi’s 70 assembly seats will take place in a single phase on February 5, with the results announced on February 8. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajeev Kumar made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the entire election process will be completed in 33 days, from the announcement of dates to the declaration of results. Compared to the 2015 and 2020 elections, this year’s schedule is advanced by one week.
This election process will begin with voting on February 5, and the results will be declared on February 8.
