Drama In Delhi Over Bungalow: AAP At PM House, BJP At CM Residence

On Wednesday, Delhi witnessed high-voltage political drama as the showdown between AAP and BJP over allegations of extravagant renovations of the Chief Minister's residence during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure escalated. AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj attempted to protest near the Prime Minister's residence but were stopped by the police en route. This was followed by an attempt by the ruling party to conduct a media tour of the Chief Minister's residence, which was also thwarted by the police.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders gathered outside the Chief Minister Atishi's residence, questioning her claim of the Centre "snatching" her residence.

The BJP has accused Kejriwal of spending an exorbitant amount of over Rs 40 crore on renovating the Chief Minister's official residence--6 Flagstaff Road--dubbing it 'Sheeshmahal'. In response to the BJP's accusations, AAP fired back with a 'Raj Mahal' jibe, alleging that the Prime Minister leads a lavish lifestyle in a residence constructed at a staggering cost of Rs 2,700 crore.

Outside the Chief Minister's house, the AAP leaders engaged in a heated argument with the police and staged a dharna outside the 6 Flag Staff Road bungalow after being denied entry. The police cited lack of permission to allow entry, and Bharadwaj countered as to why a Minister and MP needed permission to enter the Chief Minister's residence.

"The police and PWD officials are saying that there is an order from the top to not allow anyone inside the CM residence. I told them that I am the minister... this means that there is an order from the LG," Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, adding, "BJP will be happy with the police action".

The AAP leaders had challenged the BJP to visit the residence and point out the alleged exorbitant renovations. MP Sanjay Singh said, "Let me ask why the route has been barricaded".

Subsequently, AAP leaders made their way to the Prime Minister's residence. However, the Delhi Police opposed the move, saying that they "cannot enter someone's house without permission". Restrictions under Section 163 (formerly Section 144) have been implemented outside the PM's residence, and the AAP has been asked to avoid any protests.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva reached AAP leader Atishi's residence at AB-17 Mathura Road, and questioned why the Chief Minister insists on occupying the 6 Flagstaff Road building. On Tuesday, Atishi alleged that the Centre had revoked the allotment of the 6 Flag Staff Road residence, citing non-occupation as the reason.

The Legislative Assembly election in Delhi in 70 constituencies is scheduled to be held on February 5, with the counting of votes set for February 8.