Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A row has erupted after Delhi Chief Minister Atishi claimed she was evicted from her official residence for the second time in three months. The Public Works Department (PWD), however, refuted the claim, asserting that she never took possession of the bungalow at 6, Flag Staff Road.
PWD sources alleged that Atishi was allotted the residence three months ago with a stipulation to take possession within a week, but she failed to do so. They accused her of deliberately stalling the process to impede investigations into alleged irregularities in the renovation of the bungalow, labeled ‘Sheeshmahal’ by the BJP due to its high renovation costs.
Atishi’s Allegations
At a press conference following the announcement of Delhi Assembly election dates, Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of targeting her.
“A night before the announcement of the election date, the BJP-led government at the Centre threw me out of the chief minister’s residence for the second time in two months. My family’s belongings were thrown out. Despite their harassment, I pledge to continue working for Delhi’s people,” Atishi stated in Hindi.
She emphasized her achievements since the alleged first eviction, pledging new welfare measures, including ₹2,100 for every woman in Delhi and free healthcare for the elderly.
PWD’s Counterclaims
Responding to Atishi’s claims, a PWD source clarified that she was not evicted as she had not shifted into the bungalow. “An official residence at 17 AB Mathura Road is already allotted to her, and three other bungalows have also been offered,” the source said.
The department pointed out that the bungalow’s renovation, linked to an ongoing CBI and ED investigation, required Atishi’s cooperation. Her alleged failure to take possession, they argued, kept the house inaccessible, delaying the probe.
‘Sheeshmahal’ Controversy
The bungalow at 6, Flag Staff Road has become a focal point in the BJP’s criticism of AAP ahead of the Delhi elections scheduled for February 5. Renovated during Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure as Chief Minister, the project cost reportedly escalated from ₹7.61 crore to over ₹34 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have used the issue to target AAP, accusing it of extravagance and corruption. AAP has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the renovations were essential due to the residence’s age and were recommended by the PWD itself.
Elections Amid Allegations
The controversy over the ‘Sheeshmahal’ and Atishi’s eviction claims comes as a heated campaign unfolds for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with counting set for February 8. The issue remains a key point of attack against AAP by the BJP.
