The ongoing conflict between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Centre over Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s alleged eviction from her official residence seems to have reached a conclusion.
On Friday, the Public Works Department (PWD) formally allocated the Chief Minister’s bungalow at 6, Flag Staff Road to Atishi, following a heated dispute over her removal from the property.
In an official notification, the PWD expressed its approval to offer the residence to Atishi, with a requirement that she confirm her acceptance within eight days. Additionally, the notice stated that she must vacate any other government property she currently occupies within 15 days of assuming possession of the new bungalow.
The controversy began earlier in the week when AAP claimed that Atishi was forcibly evicted from the residence just two days after moving in, following her appointment as Chief Minister in place of Arvind Kejriwal. The party alleged that Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, acting on behalf of the BJP, orchestrated her removal. AAP leaders accused the BJP of trying to seize the residence in retaliation for not holding power in Delhi.
“For the first time in the history of the country, a Chief Minister was evicted from their official residence,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) claimed in a statement.
However, the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor’s office pushed back on these accusations. Officials stated that the house had not yet been officially allocated to Atishi, and that her belongings had been placed in the residence prematurely. Furthermore, sources argued that Kejriwal had not fully vacated the property, complicating the handover process.
Amidst the row, BJP leader Vijender Gupta wrote to the CMO, asserting that the keys to the residence had been handed to the PWD but were later retrieved, further delaying the allocation.
Atishi responded to the allegations by accusing the BJP of trying to take over the Chief Minister’s residence out of political spite, claiming the party was frustrated by its inability to win elections in Delhi. She emphasized that AAP leaders did not enter politics for material benefits and would continue their work regardless of the situation.
“We didn’t come into politics to live in luxury or big bungalows. If necessary, we’ll govern from the streets. The BJP can enjoy the bungalow if it brings them peace, but we live in people’s hearts,” Atishi said.