Congress Slams Kejriwal Over Reports Of Him Spending Rs 45 Cr For 'Renovation' Of Official Residence

Congress leader Ajay Maken on Tuesday alleged that Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow.

A high-voltage political slugfest has begun in Delhi after reports of CM Arvind Kejriwal spending Rs 45 Cr on the ‘beautification’ of his official residence come to the fore. Now, political parties are taking on the Aam Aadi Party (AAP) chief over the alleged lavish changes at Chief Minister’s bungalow. Joining the bandwagon, Congress has slammed Kejriwal questioning his right to remain the CM of the national capital. 

Congress leader Ajay Maken on Tuesday alleged that Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including on extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets. 

He added that before coming to power, the AAP leader distributed printed copies of a sworn affidavit in his New Delhi Legislative Assembly constituency, dated June 7, 2013, in which he made seven promises. 

Maken further said that Kejriwal had promised that he would not use a car with a red light or request additional security beyond what is necessary for a common citizen, and he refused a large bungalow and instead live in an ordinary house like a common man. 

"Despite naming his party 'Aam Aadmi Party' (common man's party) and making these pledges, Kejriwal spent a fortune on his bungalow when the people of Delhi were desperately seeking oxygen cylinders during the Covid pandemic.  Moreover, there are more than 6 lakh households in the slums of the city. This raises questions about his right to remain in his position as a public servant and on whether he has upheld the other promises mentioned in the distributed sworn affidavit, especially considering the urgent needs of the citizens," the Congress leader tweeted. 

As per a PTI report, the BJP earlier claimed that about Rs 45 crore was spent on the "beautification" of the Delhi chief minister's official residence in the city's Civil Lines area and asked for his resignation on "moral" grounds. 

Meanwhile, the ruling AAP hit back at the BJP. As per PTI, senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha said while speaking to Times Now said the residence in question was built in 1942. He added that the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD), after an audit, had recommended its renovation, he said.