Delhi Election 2025: AAP vs BJP as CM Atishi alleges 'eviction' from official residence

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday alleged she was evicted from her official residence at the BJP's behest. (File Photo: PTI)

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government "evicted her from her official residence after cancelling it allotment for the second time in three months.

"The schedule for Delhi elections was announced today. Last night, the BJP-led central government, for the second time in three months, threw me out of my official residence, which has been allotted to me as CM. They cancelled the allotment of the CM residence through a letter and snatched away the residence from an elected CM of an elected government," she said addressing a press conference alongside party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Sanjay Singh.

The Aam Aadmi Party's allegation came on a day the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in the state. As per the schedule announced by the poll panel, Delhi will see single-phase polling on February 5 while the result will be declared on February 8.

@SanjayAzadSln AAP @Saurabh_MLAgk l LIVE https://t.co/RYzpAvJuES

Atishi (@AtishiAAP) January 7, 2025

Addressing the press conference today, Atishi claimed that the Centre resorted to a similar tactic when she was appointed Chief Minister three months ago. "At that time too, the Centre had taken by luggage and thrown it on the road. They think that by taking away my official residence, they can scare me and stop the good work I have done for the people of Delhi... I will work from people's homes but will not allow the good work done by the AAP government for the people to suffer," she said.

The BJP, however, countered the allegations and claimed that Atishi had refused to move into the 6, Flag Staff Road bungalow allotted to her as "she didn't want to offend Arvind Kejriwal". Notably, this was the same bungalow that was renovated by the Delhi government and has become a subject of controversy over the allegedly enormous cost involved.

According to the BJP leader, the allotment was withdrawn since Atishi did not occupy the bungalow vacated by Kejriwal and two other alternatives were offered to her.

Malviya also attached a letter of withdrawal issued by the Public Works Department on January 6, 2025. "Under these circumstances and aforesaid reasons, the offer of allotment of Bungalow No. 6, Flag Staff Road, issued to Ms. Atishi, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Delhi vide letter no F.A(6 Flag Staff Road)PWD&H/2024/1472-73 dated 11-10-2024 by Public Works Department Secretariat, Govt. of NCT of Delhi stands withdrawn, with immediate effect. In the light of withdrawal of offer letter dated 11.10.2024, it is further proposed by PWD to offer two bungalows viz bungalow No. 2 at 8 Raj Niwas Lane, Civil Lines, New Delhi & bungalow No. 115 at Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi to choose one, for which a separate 'offer letter' will be issued to Ms. Atishi, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Delhi," Malviya quoted the said letter as stating.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena is LYING. She was allotted SheeshMahal on 11-Oct-2024.She hasnt still occupied it because she doesnt want to offend Arvind Kejriwal. Hence, the allotment was withdrawn and two more bungalows have been offered to her, instead.QuoteUnder pic.twitter.com/cPtpruRYQ9 Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 7, 2025

"Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena has been given offer of these two bungalows, since she refused to accept Sheeshmahal. Bungalow no 2 at 8 Raj Niwas Lane, Civil Lines, New Delhi or Bungalow no 115, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi. She must pick one immediately and STOP LYING," Malviya further said.