The Centre allotted Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal a Type-VII bungalow in Lodhi Estate, according to Indian Express.
Last year he resigned as Delhi Chief Minister and moved out of the government bungalow in Civil Lines. The Centre reportedly allotted 95, Lodhi Estate bungalow, to him. As a Type-VII bungalow, it is the second largest category of government residential accommodation, stated the report.
In October last year, Kejriwal moved out of 6, Flagstaff Road. He lived in this bungalow during most of his tenure as Chief Minister. After he moved out, he stayed at the government bungalow allotted to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal.
The BJP had then coined the term “Sheesh Mahal" to allege a "big scam" in the renovation of Kejriwal's official bungalow 6, Flagstaff Road. A report by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) during the audit of Kejriwal’s official residence for the year ended March 31, 2022 pegged the total cost of the renovation work in the house at Rs 33.66 crore, 342 per cent more than the tendered amount.
An accommodation would be allotted/allowed to be retained by the party president of a recognised national party in case he/she does not have a house in Delhi, either of his own or allotted by government in any other capacity. However, there is no specification about the type of bungalow.
Kejriwal’s advocate, however, had argued in the High Court that historically Type-VII bungalows are allotted to national party presidents.
“Today, they can’t relegate me to a Type VI. What is appropriate? I want specifics… I’m not the favoured one, I’m not the BSP for you… but please be fair in your policy…” senior advocate Rahul Mehra had argued as quoted by IE.
He was referring to BSP president Mayawati who had been allotted 35 Lodhi Estate as a residence.
The BSP chief had moved out of 35, Lodhi Estate in May this year. Earlier, she was allotted 29, Lodhi Estate as her official residence, but in February 2024 the government changed the allotment, giving it to the BSP as its office.
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