Row Over Delhi Chief Minister’s Residence: AAP vs BJP Escalates

New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence has intensified as allegations of extravagant facilities, including a swimming pool and gold toilets, have been leveled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to these claims, Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj held a press conference on Wednesday, dismissing the accusations as baseless and mocking the allegations.

Bhardwaj remarked, “I have been told there’s a luxurious swimming pool and even gold toilets at the CM’s residence. I’ll try to find out where these facilities are.” He also ridiculed claims about a bar inside the residence. Bhardwaj clarified that the Chief Minister’s bungalow is government property, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and funded by taxpayers’ money. He further suggested that similar scrutiny should be applied to the Prime Minister’s residence, stating, “Both the PM’s and CM’s residences are government properties. There should be no objection to media presence at the PM’s residence either.”

Assam CM’s Sarcastic Comments

Adding fuel to the controversy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, suggesting that the Delhi CM’s residence, which BJP has dubbed as a “Sheesh Mahal,” should be declared a national museum. Sarma stated, “All Chief Ministers should get a chance to see this Sheesh Mahal. I would like to replicate such a grand residence in Assam if possible.” He also criticized Kejriwal’s priorities, implying that the Delhi CM’s interests are more focused on luxury than governance.

AAP’s Counter-Protests and Police Standoff

In response to the BJP’s allegations, AAP leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Sanjay Singh attempted to inspect the Chief Minister’s residence, inviting media personnel to verify the claims. However, they were stopped by Delhi Police, leading to a heated confrontation. The police had erected barricades and deployed water cannons and additional personnel, which AAP leaders claimed was an attempt to prevent transparency.

Bhardwaj accused the BJP of backtracking, stating, “They are afraid that their claims will be exposed. If they are so confident, let them show both the PM’s and CM’s residences to the media.” AAP leaders also staged a sit-in protest outside the CM’s residence, demanding clarity on the allegations.

BJP’s Allegations and Political Drama

The BJP Delhi unit released a video purportedly showing the Chief Minister’s residence, labeling it as the “Sheesh Mahal of corrupt Kejriwal.” BJP leaders accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, recalling his earlier promises of living in a modest two-room house. They alleged that Kejriwal had used taxpayer funds for personal luxury while Delhi suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A BJP spokesperson stated, “Kejriwal came into politics claiming to be an Aam Aadmi (common man) but has built a palace for himself. This is a betrayal of the people of Delhi who trusted him.”

AAP’s Challenge

AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh, have challenged the BJP to conduct an open inspection of the Chief Minister’s residence in the presence of media. Singh argued, “If the BJP claims there’s a swimming pool and bar at the CM’s residence, let the media verify it. But they’re now hesitant because they might have to showcase the PM’s residence as well.”

As part of their counterattack, AAP MLAs have planned a march to the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding similar scrutiny of its facilities. The political tussle has further polarized the two parties, with AAP accusing BJP of diverting attention from governance issues and BJP claiming AAP is engaging in theatrics to cover up corruption.

Allegations Amid Political Rivalry

This escalating conflict reflects the broader rivalry between the AAP and BJP. While BJP attempts to paint AAP as a party of hypocrites indulging in extravagance, AAP counters with claims of BJP’s evasion and lack of accountability. The controversy over the CM’s residence has now become a symbol of the larger political battle between the two parties, with both seeking to control the narrative ahead of upcoming elections.

As the situation unfolds, the public awaits clarity on the actual state of the Chief Minister’s residence and whether the allegations hold any merit. In the meantime, the political drama continues to dominate headlines, fueling debates over governance, transparency, and accountability in the capital city.