According to the BJP, despite Chief Minister Atishi formally shifting to the official residence at Flagstaff Road, Kejriwal has failed to vacate the property, causing a delay in reallocating it to the Public Works Department (PWD). The bungalow in question, dubbed the "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP, has become the focal point of the dispute, with allegations of significant expenses for renovations and upkeep during Kejriwal's tenure, a figure claimed to be as high as INR 45 crore.
BJP spokespersons have accused the former chief minister of disregarding established protocols by retaining possession of the property. They argue that the continued occupation of the residence is both improper and a burden on the state exchequer. Several leaders within the party have pointed to the luxurious nature of the renovations as evidence of Kejriwal's alleged indulgence in extravagance at public expense.
In response, AAP has vigorously defended Kejriwal, dismissing the BJP's accusations as politically motivated. The party contends that all formalities required for the transfer of the residence, including a PWD 'Vacation Report' and necessary bill payments, were completed in accordance with the rules. AAP spokespersons have further argued that Kejriwal's tenure as chief minister saw a significant reduction in corruption and misuse of public funds, and they accuse the BJP of fabricating these allegations to divert attention from its own shortcomings in governance.
The controversy around the bungalow has drawn attention not only to Kejriwal's personal choices but also to the broader political battle between AAP and the BJP in Delhi. As the state's politics become increasingly polarized, the bungalow issue has become symbolic of deeper tensions between the two parties. The BJP continues to press for an official investigation into the use of funds for the property’s renovations, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the AAP government.
Atishi, who succeeded Kejriwal as Delhi's chief minister, has thus far remained largely silent on the matter. Since assuming office, she has focused on continuing the government's policy agenda, including healthcare and education reforms, key priorities for AAP. However, her occupancy of the Flagstaff Road residence has been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding her predecessor's tenure.
This incident is not the first time Kejriwal has faced criticism over the use of government facilities. Throughout his political career, he has positioned himself as a champion of anti-corruption, a stance that many of his critics see as at odds with the alleged lavish expenditures on the chief minister’s official residence. Nonetheless, AAP’s core support base continues to stand by Kejriwal, viewing the BJP's attacks as part of a broader strategy to undermine the party’s governance in Delhi.
The PWD, tasked with overseeing the administration of government properties, has not issued a public statement regarding the controversy, and its internal reports remain undisclosed. However, officials privately indicate that all procedural requirements concerning the bungalow's handover were met and that there is no ongoing investigation into the matter. For now, the BJP's allegations remain largely confined to political rhetoric, though the party has vowed to continue raising the issue both in public forums and through legal avenues.