The controversy surrounding the official residence of the Chief Minister of Delhi has deepened, with the BJP making it clear that the newly elected Chief Minister will not occupy the lavishly renovated bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines, which was previously used by Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva formally urged Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to revoke the merger of multiple government-owned properties that were allegedly annexed to expand the Chief Minister's residence during Kejriwal's tenure. The BJP-led administration has signaled its intent to reassess the future of the property, strongly criticizing what it describes as Kejriwal’s extravagant lifestyle at the taxpayers' expense, despite his public image as an advocate of simplicity and austerity.
Newly elected BJP MLA from Rohini and former Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta has also written to the Lieutenant Governor, calling for immediate action to restore the Chief Minister’s official residence to its original state and remove what he called “unauthorized encroachments” on adjacent government properties. According to Gupta, the alleged illegal expansion of the CM’s residence was one of the biggest examples of misgovernance under Kejriwal’s leadership, and he demanded that the property be restored to its previous size.
The bungalow had emerged as a major flashpoint during the Delhi election campaign, with the BJP making it a central issue in its attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, pointing out that while he campaigned on promises of clean governance and a simple lifestyle, he allegedly spent public money to transform his residence into a luxurious mansion. The BJP dubbed the house the “sheesh mahal” (glass palace), emphasizing the alleged opulence of the renovation. The issue gained traction among voters, and the BJP repeatedly questioned how Kejriwal, who once vowed to live in an ordinary flat, ended up residing in what they claim was a lavish complex built with taxpayer funds.
In his letter to the Lieutenant Governor, Gupta detailed how Kejriwal allegedly expanded the official residence from its initial area of 10,000 square meters to over 50,000 square meters by incorporating adjacent government-owned properties. These included eight Type-V government flats located at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road, along with government bungalows at 8A and 8B Flagstaff Road. Gupta termed this expansion not only illegal but also unethical, claiming it was done without proper approvals or compliance with legal norms. He further alleged that public funds were misused for personal comfort, with no regard for the financial constraints faced by ordinary citizens in Delhi.
"The extent of these unauthorized alterations is deeply concerning. A government residence meant for official purposes has been transformed into an extravagant private complex, going against the principles of transparency and responsible governance," Gupta wrote in his letter. He demanded that the merged properties be delinked from the Chief Minister’s residence and restored to their original purpose, and that 6, Flagstaff Road be reduced to its previous size in accordance with legal norms.
Gupta also urged the Lieutenant Governor to expedite the ongoing probe into the alleged violations, calling for strict action against those responsible for the misuse of government resources. He argued that the matter was not just about property but about accountability and governance. “Is this the same Arvind Kejriwal who once spoke of simplicity and honesty?” Gupta asked, stating that the episode was a clear example of how power had allegedly corrupted Kejriwal’s leadership.
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after a 27-year hiatus is seen as a major political shift, ending AAP’s decade-long dominance in the city. The party secured a decisive mandate, winning 48 out of 70 assembly seats. With a new administration set to take charge, the future of the controversial bungalow remains uncertain. However, BJP leaders have made it clear that they do not intend to retain the property in its current form, reinforcing their broader strategy to dismantle what they see as the remnants of Kejriwal’s governance while promoting their own vision for Delhi’s administration.
As the BJP prepares to take control, discussions over the bungalow’s fate continue to spark debate among political observers and the public. While AAP leaders have largely remained silent on the issue since Kejriwal vacated the premises in October 2024 following his resignation as Chief Minister, his supporters argue that the controversy is politically motivated. They claim that Kejriwal’s residence was no different from those of other Chief Ministers across India and that the BJP is using the issue as a distraction from more pressing governance concerns.
Despite these defenses, the BJP has remained firm in its stance, positioning the bungalow issue as emblematic of what they call AAP’s misplaced priorities. According to BJP spokespersons, the party intends to restore financial discipline and focus on delivering services to Delhi residents, rather than engaging in excessive expenditures on personal luxuries for politicians. The next steps regarding the property are expected to be taken soon, with potential plans to either return it to its original function or repurpose it for public use.
With Delhi’s political landscape undergoing a dramatic shift, the fate of 6, Flagstaff Road remains a symbol of the larger battle between the BJP and AAP. The new government’s decision regarding the bungalow will likely be closely watched as a test of the BJP’s governance approach in the capital.
