'Sheesh Mahal' row: AAP leaders, cops clash outside Delhi CM's bungalow
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New Delhi: A tense standoff unfolded on Wednesday between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and the Delhi Police after Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj were blocked from entering the Chief Minister’s official residence in Delhi. The incident occurred amid ongoing controversy surrounding the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow, currently unoccupied after the Public Works Department (PWD) directed Chief Minister Atishi to vacate the premises in October.
The row centers on allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, during his tenure as Chief Minister, oversaw lavish renovations worth more than Rs 40 crore to the bungalow, including claims of a “glass palace” being built. In response, AAP leaders planned to visit the bungalow to “inspect” the alleged luxury additions, such as the “golden commode” and “mini bar” the BJP has claimed are present.
Bharadwaj, speaking to reporters, called for an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds for both the bungalow and the prime minister’s residence, which AAP has previously criticized for its reported cost of Rs 2,700 crore. He and Singh made their way to the bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road, only to be met with barricades and a large police presence, including water cannons. The police cited a lack of permission for their entry.
Despite the roadblock, the AAP leaders staged a protest outside the residence. Bharadwaj claimed that the obstruction came from top authorities, including Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG), and accused the BJP of supporting the police action. Singh, too, questioned the police's decision to barricade the site.
The controversy surrounding the residence began when Atishi moved into the bungalow on October 6, following Kejriwal’s departure two days earlier. However, she was ordered to vacate it by the PWD on October 9, citing an incomplete handover process and lack of official documentation. Subsequently, the property was sealed.
On October 11, the PWD offered the bungalow to Atishi again, with an official allotment letter issued on October 16. However, the offer was retracted on October 30 after it was revealed that Atishi had not taken possession of the property as required. The department then offered her alternative accommodation options, requesting a decision within eight days.
This escalation comes ahead of Delhi’s upcoming Assembly elections on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8, adding political tension to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the residence.