CHANDIGARH: The BJP has launched a fresh attack on Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that former Delhi chief minister is using Punjab government’s resources for personal luxury. In a post on X, the Delhi BJP accused Kejriwal of preparing a “luxurious 7-star, two-acre government bungalow” in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 for himself, reportedly from the Punjab chief minister’s quota.
Dubbing Kejriwal as Punjab’s ‘Super CM’, the BJP said that the AAP chief, who pretends to be a ‘common man,’ has built yet another grand Sheeshmahal. ‘After vacating the Sheeshmahal in Delhi, Punjab’s “Super CM” Arvind Kejriwal has now had an even more magnificent Sheeshmahal prepared in Punjab. In Chandigarh’s Sector 2, Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted a luxurious 7-star government bungalow spread over 2 acres from the chief minister’s quota,’ the BJP posted on X while sharing the satellite image of the said bungalow.
The BJP’s allegations have sparked a fresh political row, with the party claiming that the property represents yet another instance of AAP’s hypocrisy regarding its ‘common man’ image. According to the satellite images shared by the BJP on social media, the sprawling bungalow complex in Chandigarh’s upscale Sector 2 appears to include extensive grounds, multiple structures, and what the BJP describes as ‘7-star’ amenities.
Swati Maliwal’s allegations
Adding fuel to the controversy, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who has been at odds with the party leadership, echoed the BJP’s claims. In her post on X, Maliwal alleged that Kejriwal has been allotted a luxurious government bungalow in Chandigarh despite not holding any public office, making the allocation ‘illegal and illegitimate.’
‘After Delhi’s Sheesh Mahal was vacated, Arvind Kejriwal has built a Sheesh Mahal in Punjab, even more magnificent than Delhi’s,’ Maliwal wrote. She further claimed that the Punjab government’s resources are being diverted to serve Kejriwal personally, citing an instance where he allegedly used a government helicopter to travel from the Chandigarh bungalow to Ambala, followed by a Punjab government private jet to Gujarat for party work.
The Delhi ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy
This fresh allegation comes against the backdrop of the infamous ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy that dogged Kejriwal during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister. The BJP had accused him of spending crores of rupees from public funds to renovate his official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road in Delhi, transforming it into a lavish mansion.
Kejriwal was accused of violating norms to construct what the BJP dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ which allegedly covered eight acres and included luxury amenities far removed from the AAP’s ‘aam aadmi’ (common man) rhetoric. The controversy became a major political flashpoint, with the BJP consistently highlighting the alleged extravagance as evidence of AAP’s double standards.
Details of the Chandigarh property
According to the BJP’s claims, the Chandigarh bungalow spans approximately two acres in Sector 2, one of the city’s most prestigious residential areas. The aerial photograph shared by the party shows a large compound with multiple buildings, manicured lawns, and what appears to be extensive security infrastructure.
The BJP alleges that the property was sanctioned under the Punjab Chief Minister’s quota, raising questions about why a former Delhi Chief Minister who currently holds no official government position would be entitled to such accommodation from Punjab government resources.
Comparison with Delhi residence
Political observers note that if the allegations are true, the Chandigarh property would represent an even more controversial case than the Delhi residence. While Kejriwal was the serving Chief Minister of Delhi when the Flag Staff Road renovation occurred, he currently holds no official position that would typically entitle him to government accommodation.
The BJP has emphasized this point, arguing that Kejriwal functions as Punjab’s ‘Super CM,’ wielding influence over the Bhagwant Mann-led state government despite not holding any constitutional position in Punjab.
Luxury features claimed
While specific details about the property’s interior and amenities have not been independently verified, the BJP’s characterization of it as a ‘7-star’ facility suggests allegations of opulent features and high-end construction. The party has called for a thorough investigation into the funds used for the property’s development and the legal basis for its allocation to Kejriwal.
Demands for investigation
The BJP has demanded a complete audit of the expenditure involved in preparing the Chandigarh bungalow and has questioned the legal authority under which such a property could be allotted to someone not holding a government position in Punjab. Party leaders have called for transparency regarding who authorized the allocation and what public funds, if any, were used in its development or maintenance.
AAP’s response
As of now, the AAP leadership has not issued a detailed official response to these specific allegations regarding the Chandigarh property. The party has historically defended Kejriwal against ‘Sheesh Mahal’ accusations, arguing that such attacks are politically motivated attempts to deflect from real governance issues.
During the Delhi controversy, AAP maintained that the renovations at Flag Staff Road were necessary maintenance work for an old, dilapidated building and that all expenditures were within prescribed norms and approved by relevant authorities.
Political reactions
The controversy has provided ammunition to AAP’s political opponents ahead of upcoming elections. BJP leaders have seized upon the allegations to question AAP’s credibility and its claims of representing the common man’s interests.
Other opposition parties have also weighed in, with some calling for independent investigations into the matter. Political analysts suggest that the controversy could impact AAP’s carefully cultivated image as an alternative to traditional political parties, particularly if evidence emerges supporting the allegations of misuse of government resources.
Public sentiment
The allegations have generated significant discussion on social media, with the hashtags related to ‘Sheesh Mahal’ trending on X (formerly Twitter). Public opinion appears divided, with AAP supporters dismissing the claims as political propaganda while critics point to what they see as a pattern of hypocrisy.
The controversy has reignited debates about the accountability of political leaders, the use of public resources, and the gap between political rhetoric and personal conduct. Many citizens have expressed concern about the allocation of government properties and resources, particularly to individuals not currently serving in official capacities.
The way forward
As the controversy continues to unfold, questions remain about the factual basis of the allegations, the legal status of the property, and whether any rules or regulations were violated in its allocation to Kejriwal. Independent verification of the claims and official responses from both the Punjab government and AAP leadership will be crucial in determining the full scope and implications of this latest ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy.
The matter also raises broader questions about the entitlements and privileges extended to political leaders, even after they leave office, and the need for clear, transparent norms governing such allocations to prevent misuse of public resources.