Chief Minister Atishi launched a harsh attack on the BJP for “orchestrating a vendetta” to remove her from the official house at 6 Flag Staff Road, sparking political tensions in Delhi just after the Election Commission (ECI) announced the dates of Assembly polls. Atishi was accused of “misleading the public” by the BJP, which has been shaming the Delhi government over corruption, and they strongly refuted the AAP charge. Speaking to supporters, Atishi claimed that the day before the Election Commission released the election schedule, she received an eviction notice from the Public Works Department (PWD).
“When I became the Chief Minister, the BJP threw my belongings on the road. They can snatch our houses, stop our work, but they cannot stop our passion for working for the people of Delhi. If needed, I will stay in the homes of Delhi’s people and continue working for them,” she declared.
The dispute surrounding Atishi’s official residence began in October 2024, when the AAP claimed that Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had ordered the forcible removal of her possessions from the bungalow. The party’s allegations that the BJP intended to give the house to one of its top politicians were strengthened by images of luggage being carried out of the building and PWD officials examining the grounds. Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the party, too voiced his opinion, accusing the BJP of employing “dirty politics” to make up for their poor electoral chances.
“Within three months, the BJP again expelled Chief Minister Atishi ji from the Chief Minister’s residence. These people are showing their frustration by abusing Atishi ji and throwing her out of the house. BJP is losing the Delhi elections badly, and hence these people have resorted to such tactics,” Kejriwal said.
Adding to the heated exchange, AAP MP Sanjay Singh dismissed BJP allegations that the Chief Minister’s residence had gold-plated toilets and a swimming pool.
“If they believe there is a swimming pool and gold-plated toilets in the Chief Minister’s residence, I challenge them to prove it. Tomorrow at 11 am, we will take the media to the Delhi Chief Minister’s house and look for these so-called golden toilets and a swimming pool. Let the truth come to light,” Singh said.
The BJP, however, vehemently denied AAP’s allegations, accusing Atishi of misleading the public. BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed Atishi deliberately refused to move into the bungalow to avoid offending her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. “Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena is LYING. She was allotted Sheesh Mahal on October 11, 2024. She still hasn’t occupied it because she doesn’t want to offend Arvind Kejriwal. Hence, the allotment was withdrawn, and two more bungalows were offered to her instead,” Malviya said.
Pradeep Bhandari, a BJP leader, also charged that Atishi was obsessed with the bungalow. “Atishi and AAP’s lust for a Rs 50-crore ‘sheeshmahal’ is unprecedented,” he said. PWD authorities have explained that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s allocation for the house at 6 Flag Staff Road was canceled because to non-compliance with procedural requirements, amid the growing political controversy surrounding her official residence. These reports state that Atishi had to move into the house within a week of taking office in October 2024. But even after three months, she didn’t take possession, which is why it was canceled.
According to sources, the home is being investigated by central authorities, including as the ED and CBI, for possible building flaws. According to reports, Atishi’s cooperation with the ongoing property investigations was a requirement of the allotment. Because the house remained vacant, PWD sources speculated that her refusal to take ownership might have caused the investigations to go on. After the cancellation, Atishi was given the option to stay at Bungalow No. 115 on Ansari Road in Daryaganj and Bungalow No. 2 at 8 Raj Niwas Lane in Civil Lines. On February 5, the Delhi Assembly elections will be held in a single phase, and on February 8, the results will be counted.
