AAP Vs BJP Over 'Sheeshmahal' Allegations: Dramatic Scenes Unfold At Delhi CM's Residence, Sanjay Singh Heads Towards 7 LKM

Dramatic scenes unfolded outside Delhi Chief Minister’s residence as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders attempted to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) accusations of extravagant spending on the bungalow’s renovation.

The BJP has alleged that public funds were misused for a luxurious upgrade of the CM’s residence on 6, Flagstaff Road, when AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal held the post, dubbing it a "Sheeshmahal."

AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Singh and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, arrived at the residence with media to “show the truth.” They were stopped by police, citing law and order concerns.

Singh questioned the police’s actions, stating, "Why can't we be allowed inside? BJP is spreading misinformation that there is a golden toilet, swimming pool, minibar, so show us and show them (media)."

Bharadwaj demanded clarity on the directions under which they were being stopped. “Only person above me is the Lieutenant Governor. Who has given you the direction (to stop us)?” he asked.

Addressing the media, Singh said, "The BJP's lie has been exposed. For months, BJP has been saying there is a golden toilet, swimming pool and minibar in this Chief Minister's residence. We brought you here today. Have you seen? Are we terrorists? Why are they stopping us? This means BJP is lying."

The AAP leaders later attempted to visit the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, to highlight its cost but were stopped by authorities.

BJP leaders have criticised AAP’s actions and spending during the pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, “You will be shocked to know that when Delhi residents were fighting Covid, wandering in search of oxygen and medicines, their (AAP) focus was on the building Sheesh Mahal."

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused AAP of being on the defensive. “The people of Delhi are asking Arvind Kejriwal a basic question. He came to politics promising that he would live in a 2 BHK apartment... During Covid, when everybody was suffering, Mr Kejriwal spent Rs 52 crore (on the bungalow). What Sanjay Singh is doing is nothing but melodrama.”

Sudhanshu Trivedi of BJP added, “What they have done today is a show of anarchy that aligns with their natural character.”