Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP's) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Friday condemned the move to cancel the allocation of his bungalow, calling it "arbitrary and unprecedented". Chadha alleged that the cancellation was orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to advance their political agenda, reported news agency ANI.
The AAP MP suffered a setback on Friday when a Delhi court ruled against his right to continue occupying the government-provided residence after the allotment was annulled. Reacting to the development, Chadha said: "It is unprecedented in more than 70 years of the history of Rajya Sabha that a sitting member is sought to be removed from his duly allotted accommodation." Chadha moved into the government bungalow around four years ago.
Chadha alleged several irregularities in the order and the subsequent actions taken by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. He said that it was a violation of established rules and regulations. He asserted, "The manner of the entire exercise leaves me with no option but to believe that these have been carried out at the dictates of BJP to further their political motives."
According to Chadha, the allotment of the accommodation was initially approved by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, considering various factors specific to him. The sudden cancellation without apparent cause or reason led Chadha to believe that the move was a deliberate attempt to target and victimise him.
Chadha, suspended as a Member of Parliament, claimed that these actions, along with the accommodation cancellation, reflected a concerted effort by the BJP to silence vocal Members of Parliament critical of the ruling party. He denounced it as unwarranted interference in the functioning of elected representatives.
Chadha pointed out instances of other MPs living in accommodations above their entitlement but him being singled out for interference and targeting. He said this raised concerns about the state of democracy.
Undeterred, Chadha vowed to continue raising the voice of the people of Punjab and India fearlessly, regardless of the challenges. The AAP leader, who was allotted a Type 7 bungalow in September last year, had previously requested an upgrade from his initial Type 6 residence.
Despite the interim stay granted earlier, the Patiala House court lifted the stay on Friday, stating that Chadha could not claim an absolute right to occupy the bungalow. The legal battle continues as Chadha remains committed to defending his position against what he perceives as unjust actions orchestrated by political adversaries.
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