The controversy surrounding the renovation of the former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road has reignited, becoming a focal point in the lead-up to the assembly elections slated for early next year. The BJP has sharpened its criticism of the renovation, accusing Kejriwal of squandering public funds to transform the residence into a lavish "7-star resort" while branding it a "sheesh mahal" or palace of mirrors. The allegations have once again brought Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) under scrutiny, fueling an already heated political rivalry.
Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva has been vocal in his accusations, launching a social media campaign to highlight what he calls Kejriwal's hypocrisy. In a detailed post on platform X, Sachdeva claimed that over Rs 3.75 crore was spent on luxury features, including Rs 1.9 crore for marble granite lighting, Rs 1.5 crore on installation and civil work, and Rs 35 lakh on gym and spa equipment. He asserted that these expenditures reflect an abuse of public money by a leader who had previously vowed to live modestly and not exploit government resources for personal comfort. "Arvind Kejriwal claims to be a common man, yet he has built himself a palace. This is a betrayal of trust," Sachdeva charged.
Sachdeva bolstered his criticism by comparing the funds allegedly spent on the bungalow's renovation to potential public benefits that could have been provided instead. According to him, the money could have been used to purchase 34 Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flats for the economically weaker section (EWS), 15 low-income group (LIG) flats, or 326 e-rickshaws, highlighting the opportunity cost of such lavish spending. "At a time when the common people of Delhi are struggling with inflation and unemployment, Kejriwal has chosen to indulge himself in luxury," he added.
The AAP has staunchly defended its leader, with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia stepping forward to counter the BJP's claims. Speaking to India Today, Sisodia accused the BJP of fabricating controversies to divert attention from its own failures. He argued that while Kejriwal might have spent money on renovating his residence, the BJP had failed to address more pressing concerns like improving schools and healthcare infrastructure. "People are asking, ‘Where are the schools? Where is the money for public welfare?’ Instead of answering these questions, the BJP focuses on trivial issues like a house renovation," Sisodia remarked.
Sisodia also dismissed the BJP's accusations as a desperate attempt to distract voters ahead of the assembly elections. "This is just another example of the BJP’s inability to focus on real governance issues. Kejriwal built a home, yes, but what about the thousands of crores the BJP has looted from public funds meant for education and health? Where is that accountability?" he questioned.
This is not the first time the renovation of Kejriwal's residence has been criticized. A previous report from the Delhi government's Vigilance Directorate, submitted to the lieutenant governor, revealed that the total cost of the renovation amounted to Rs 52.71 crore. Critics have pointed to this expenditure as evidence of extravagance and a disconnect from the AAP's stated ethos of simplicity and transparency. However, AAP leaders maintain that the allegations are politically motivated and lack substantive merit.
The issue has further polarized the political discourse in Delhi, with both parties using it as a rallying point to galvanize their supporters. For the BJP, the narrative underscores its portrayal of AAP as a party that has strayed from its promises of clean governance. For AAP, it represents an opportunity to shift the focus back to its achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, areas where it believes the BJP has lagged.
As the controversy continues to dominate headlines, the electorate in Delhi is left to weigh the allegations of financial mismanagement against the AAP's broader track record of governance. The upcoming elections are shaping up to be a referendum not just on Kejriwal's leadership but also on the contrasting visions offered by AAP and BJP for the future of Delhi. In the midst of this political tug-of-war, voters will ultimately decide whether the bungalow controversy resonates as a legitimate issue or a distraction from more pressing concerns.
