Clash at Kejriwal’s bungalow

Amid the Delhi Assembly elections, a bungalow, which is being called ‘Sheeshmahal’, has become the center of political debate. This bungalow, where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lived from 2015 to 2024, has now become a weapon for the BJP and Congress to attack AAP (Aam Aadmi Party). BJP is using it to try to break Kejriwal’s “common man” image, while AAP is using it to defend the Prime Minister’s residence.

How did ‘Sheeshmahal’ get its name?

BJP and Congress did not name this bungalow ‘Sheeshmahal’.

• In May 2023, for the first time, a news channel made a claim about the expenditure incurred on the renovation of this bungalow.
• The channel Times Now named it ‘Operation Sheeshmahal’, and from here this name entered the language of politics and common people.
• Giving importance to this, BJP and Congress promoted the word ‘Sheeshmahal’ among the public.

What is the real ‘Sheeshmahal’?

The name ‘Sheesh Mahal’ is taken from a famous palace located in Amer Fort, Jaipur, which is also called ‘Palace of Mirrors’.

• Expensive stone and glass have been used on its walls and roofs.
• BJP alleges that Kejriwal used similar expensive tiles and stones in the renovation of his bungalow.

BJP and Congress’s allegations on Sheeshmahal

• Kejriwal’s bungalow, which is at 6 Plagstaff Road, Civil Lines, Delhi, came into discussion for renovation during the Corona period.
• It is alleged that more than Rs 33 crore was spent on this bungalow.
• According to the CAG report leaked to the media:
  • The initially estimated expenditure was Rs 7.9 crore.
  • Later the PWD submitted incomplete documents, and the expenditure reached more than Rs 33 crore.

Why discussion on Kejriwal’s bungalow?

The question is that when every Chief Minister, Prime Minister or Minister gets a government residence as per his post, then why so much controversy only over Kejriwal’s bungalow?

• The reason for this is the 12-13 year old background.
• During the anti-corruption movement, Kejriwal had raised questions on the big bungalows and luxury of leaders.
• He had said that a simple house of 2-3 rooms would be enough for him.
• During the election campaign in Delhi, he used to expose the expenses of politicians to the public by talking about the 12 ACs installed in Sheila Dikshit’s bungalow.

Now BJP and Congress are trying to highlight the difference between Kejriwal’s words and actions.

Is it just a bungalow issue?

The questions raised on the bungalow are not limited to just one house. The debate also focuses on the image of the Aam Aadmi Party and the political ethics of Kejriwal.

• BJP and Congress are trying to corner Kejriwal on the basis of his old statements.
• On the other hand, AAP is hitting back saying that BJP’s aim is only to divert from the issues.

Impact of ‘Sheeshmahal’ controversy

• This controversy made a lot of headlines in social media, TV channels and newspapers.
• This has become a major part of the election debate, where all the parties are accusing each other.

What do the general public say?

There is a debate going on among the public whether Kejriwal, who himself had emerged as a symbol of simplicity and honesty, has now forgotten the same ideals?

• ‘AAP’ supporters are calling it the propaganda of BJP and Congress.
• At the same time, BJP and Congress supporters are considering this as proof of “double politics”.