A media report of spending Rs 45 crore for the "beautification" of the Delhi chief minister's official residence triggered a fresh round of political outrage in the national capital.
Opposition parties- Congress and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) came down heavy against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the report.
Congress leader Ajay Maken has raised questions on Arvind Kejriwal's right to remain in his position.
Extravagant items in bungalow?
Maken on Tuesday alleged that Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including on extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.
Documents surfaced in media showed-
- Total of ₹44.78 crore
- Fund spent in six trenches between September 9, 2020 to June, 2022
- Rs 11.30 crore on interior decoration
- Rs 6.02 crore on stone and marble flooring
- Rs 1 crore on interior consultancy
- Rs ₹2.58 crore on electrical works
- Rs 2.85 crore on fire fighting system
- Rs 1.41 crore on wardrobe and accessories
- Rs 1.1 crore on kitchen appliances
- Rs 8.11 crore was spent on the camp office of CM
However, before coming to power, the AAP leader distributed printed copies of a sworn affidavit in his New Delhi Legislative Assembly constituency, dated June 7, 2013, in which he made seven promises.
Maken said Kejriwal promised not to use a car with a red light or request additional security beyond what is necessary for a common citizen and refuse a large bungalow and instead live in an ordinary house like a common man.
"Despite naming his party 'Aam Aadmi Party' (common man's party) and making these pledges, Kejriwal spent a fortune on his bungalow when the people of Delhi were desperately seeking oxygen cylinders during the Covid pandemic.
"Moreover, there are more than 6 lakh households in the slums of the city.
This raises questions about his right to remain in his position as a public servant and on whether he has upheld the other promises mentioned in the distributed sworn affidavit, especially considering the urgent needs of the citizens," the Congress leader tweeted.
BJP targets Kejriwal
The BJP earlier claimed that about Rs 45 crore was spent on the "beautification" of the Delhi chief minister's official residence in the city's Civil Lines area and demanded his resignation on "moral" grounds.
AAP defends Kejriwal
While no official reaction was available from the Delhi government, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back at the BJP. Senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha said while speaking to a private channel said the residence in question was built in 1942. The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD), after an audit, had recommended its renovation, he said.
(With PTI input)
