AAP leaders stage dharna outside CM house, asks BJP to show 'golden toilet', pool & bar

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has responded to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allegations about the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, situated at 6 Flagstaff Road. The BJP has referred to this residence as the "Sheesh Mahal," alleging that it was equipped with luxurious features such as a mini-bar, golden toilets, and a swimming pool. These allegations, primarily focusing on supposed extravagant spending, have been used by the BJP in its election campaign against the AAP, accusing the party of misusing public funds for personal luxuries.

Singh, in his remarks, rejected these claims, inviting BJP leaders to visit the bungalow to prove the existence of these alleged luxuries. He emphasized that the claims were unfounded and demanded transparency, asserting that the public deserves to know the truth about the residence’s amenities. Singh directly challenged the BJP to present evidence regarding the mini-bar, golden toilets, and swimming pool that the party has alleged to exist inside the residence.

The controversy over the "Sheesh Mahal" has been exacerbated by claims from BJP leaders, including Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, who stated that valuable items, such as a “golden commode,” were missing after Kejriwal vacated the property in October 2024. The BJP maintains that the bungalow, once occupied by Kejriwal, was outfitted with luxury items, and these items were allegedly removed after Kejriwal left the official residence. However, AAP leaders have categorically denied these allegations, arguing that the claims are part of a smear campaign.

In a broader political context, Singh also compared the allegations against Kejriwal’s official residence to the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Race Course Road. Singh accused the Prime Minister of indulging in luxury, mentioning the alleged worth of Modi’s residence, which he claimed cost ₹2,700 crore. He highlighted expensive items supposedly associated with Modi’s residence, such as ₹10 lakh pens and luxury fixtures like diamond-studded chandeliers, raising questions about the spending of public funds at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

As the political debate intensifies, security around the 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow has been significantly increased, with Delhi Police deploying additional forces and setting up barricades to prevent any untoward incidents. This heightened security follows the ongoing political tensions and allegations surrounding the residence. The controversy has become a key talking point in the Delhi political landscape, with both AAP and BJP continuing to make opposing claims regarding the use of the residence and the associated luxuries.