New Delhi, October 8- A controversy has erupted over the official residence of Delhi's Chief Minister, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging that former CM Arvind Kejriwal misused the Flag Staff Road bungalow and current CM Atishi moving in "illegally."
Atishi shifted into 6, Flag Staff Road, just days after Kejriwal vacated the Civil Lines bungalow he occupied for nine years. However, Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) officials claim that Atishi wasn't officially allocated the residence.
The BJP has demanded that PWD take custody of the bungalow with police assistance, calling Atishi's move-in "unauthorized." A BJP spokesperson said, "Kejriwal is trying to cover up corruption by holding onto the bungalow."
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that Atishi is in the process of moving in and all formalities have been completed. "PWD handed over the keys to the CM's residence on October 6, following due process and protocol."
Delhi's unique situation – lacking an official CM residence – has led to a housing shuffle among top officials. Kejriwal moved into 5, Firoz Shah Road, allocated to AAP MP Ashok Mittal, while Deputy CM Manish Sisodia shifted to 32, Rajendra Prasad Road.
PWD officials expressed concerns over the keys to the Flag Staff Road bungalow, which they claim were taken back after being handed over. The agency seeks to inspect the property and complete the handover process.
Constitutional expert SK Sharma explained, "Delhi doesn't have a dedicated CM bungalow. The new CM can move in only after official allocation, following procedures like no-dues certificates and possession letters."
The BJP has written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, seeking intervention.