AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, arrived at the Chief Minister's residence with the intent to allow media access and refute the BJP's claims. However, they were met with a substantial police presence and denied entry, leading to a heated exchange with law enforcement officials. Singh and Bharadwaj subsequently staged a sit-in protest outside the bungalow, demanding transparency and challenging the BJP to permit media scrutiny of the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
The BJP's allegations stem from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which purportedly indicates that the renovation costs of the Chief Minister's residence escalated to ₹33.66 crore, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of ₹7.9 crore. BJP national spokesperson C.R. Kesavan criticized former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of betraying the public's trust by allocating substantial funds for personal luxury during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, AAP leaders have dismissed the BJP's accusations as politically motivated. Sanjay Singh contended that the Prime Minister's residence was constructed at a cost of ₹2,700 crore, funded by taxpayers, and called for similar transparency regarding its expenditures. He stated, "If the BJP is so concerned about public money, they should allow the media to inspect the Prime Minister's residence as well."
The confrontation intensified as AAP leaders attempted to escort media personnel into the Chief Minister's residence to provide firsthand evidence countering the BJP's "Sheesh Mahal" narrative. Police officials, citing security protocols, prevented their entry, resulting in a standoff that attracted significant media attention. Bharadwaj remarked, "We are here to expose the lies propagated by the BJP. The public deserves to know the truth."
The BJP has maintained its stance, with spokespersons reiterating demands for accountability and a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds. They argue that the exorbitant spending on the Chief Minister's residence is unjustifiable, especially during a period when the city faced numerous challenges due to the pandemic.
This political tussle occurs in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, with both parties leveraging the controversy to sway public opinion. The BJP aims to portray AAP as fiscally irresponsible, while AAP seeks to deflect criticism by highlighting what it perceives as the BJP's double standards concerning government expenditures.
Political analysts suggest that such confrontations may influence voter sentiment, particularly among constituents concerned about government transparency and the prudent use of public funds. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for the electoral prospects of both parties in the forthcoming elections.
As the situation develops, the public awaits further disclosures regarding the expenditures on both the Chief Minister's and Prime Minister's residences. The demand for transparency and accountability remains central to the discourse, with citizens keenly observing how each party addresses these concerns.
The Delhi Police have urged both parties to maintain public order and have indicated that any protests must comply with established legal procedures. No arrests have been reported thus far, but authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to security protocols, especially in high-security zones such as the Chief Minister's residence.
In the meantime, AAP leaders have vowed to continue their protest until they are granted access to the residence or until the BJP agrees to a similar inspection of the Prime Minister's residence. The impasse highlights the escalating tensions between the two parties as they vie for political dominance in the capital.
The public remains divided, with supporters on both sides echoing the narratives presented by their respective parties. The controversy underscores the broader debate over government spending, transparency, and the ethical responsibilities of public officials.