The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of using public funds to renovate a government bungalow in Delhi, labeling it 'Sheesh Mahal 2'. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed the allegations as 'fake' and politically motivated.
BJP's Allegations
BJP leader and spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that Kejriwal, after being ousted from his previous official residence, the 'Sheesh Mahal', by the 'Dhurandhar voters' of Delhi, shifted to Punjab and later secured a bungalow at Lodhi Estate in Delhi. Patra claimed that this new residence has been turned into a luxurious 'Sheesh Mahal 2' using public money.
"After he was forced out of Sheesh Mahal by the voters of Delhi, he grabbed a bungalow in Punjab, and now he has prepared Sheesh Mahal 2 at Lodhi Estate," Patra said during a press conference. He further alleged that the renovation costs were exorbitant and funded by the public exchequer.
AAP's Response
The AAP has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a 'lie' and a 'diversion tactic' by the BJP. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, "These allegations are completely baseless. The bungalow at Lodhi Estate is a government accommodation, and all renovations were carried out as per standard procedures and within the allocated budget. The BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures."
Kakkar also accused the BJP of targeting Kejriwal due to his growing popularity in Punjab and other states. "The BJP is scared of Kejriwal's success in Punjab and his vision for the country. They are resorting to cheap tactics to defame him," she added.
Political Reactions
The allegations have sparked a war of words between the two parties. The BJP has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, while the AAP has challenged the BJP to prove its claims. Political analysts suggest that this controversy could further intensify the rivalry between the two parties ahead of upcoming elections.
The issue has also drawn reactions from other political parties, with some calling for transparency in the use of public funds by politicians.
