"Why is Kejriwal unwilling to hand Sheesh Mahal bungalow's custody to Public Works Department," questions BJP
Oct 07, 2024
New Delhi [India], October 7 : Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendra Sachdeva on Monday released a letter written by the Public Works Department (PWD) to the Special Secretary of the Chief Minister's Office, Prashant Ranjan Jha.
The letter expressed surprise that Arvind Kejriwal had not vacated the infamous Sheesh Mahal bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road, which has become a symbol of his alleged corruption.
"Four days ago, we all witnessed the drama of Arvind Kejriwal leaving the bungalow, holding his parents' hands, but as per government rules, he still retains possession of the Sheesh Mahal to this day. Kejriwal's theatrics were merely an attempt to gain sympathy, with Sunita Kejriwal handing over the keys to an official, purely for camera display," Sachdeva stated.
He also mentioned that the bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road is not a designated residence for the Chief Minister but a common pool bungalow under the Public Works Department's ownership. A vigilance department investigation is ongoing regarding its reconstruction and expansion.
Sachdeva highlighted that, as per rules, the bungalow should have been vacated, with the keys handed over to Public Works Department Section Officer Vijay Kumar. However, the keys were only handed over for the cameras, and moments later, Special Secretary Prashant Ranjan Jha retrieved them.
"As per protocol, whenever a government bungalow is vacated, an inventory is made, and the bungalow's condition is documented through videography. None of this was done in this instance."
He further stated that just a day later, the current Chief Minister, Atishi Marlena, requested the bungalow's allocation for herself and has even attempted to take possession of it. However, the Sheesh Mahal bungalow is not reserved for any Chief Minister. The people of Delhi are perplexed as to what Chief Minister Atishi Marlena is trying to conceal, given her eagerness to occupy the bungalow so soon after.
Sachdeva added that the people of Delhi are astonished by the back-and-forth over the keys and wonder what might be hidden in the Sheesh Mahal bungalow that prevents Arvind Kejriwal from relinquishing custody to the Public Works Department, even temporarily.
"The Public Works Department should immediately take possession of the Sheesh Mahal bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road, with police assistance, and ensure the entire process is videographed. If Kejriwal has nothing to hide, he should hand over the bungalow's custody to the Public Works Secretary," Sachdeva concluded.