New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticized Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj for attempting to take the media on a tour of Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence. The BJP called the act “irresponsible, insane and anarchic behavior.”
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the leaders’ attempt to “forcibly” enter the premises was an example of “political etiquette and ethics” being demolished. He accused the AAP of trying to divert attention from allegations of corruption related to the construction of CM’s residence, which the BJP has labeled as “Sheesh Mahal.”
BJP highlights CAG report
Trivedi said, “‘Sheesh Mahal’ has become a monument of AAP’s extravagance, and the AAP cannot hide this truth no matter how much they try.” He further alleged that the house was turned into a “museum of luxury items” at the expense of public funds, calling it a “disgusting display of corruption.”
BJP has repeatedly pointed to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report claiming the cost of remodeling CM’s residence increased from an estimated Rs 7 crore to Rs 33.66 crore. Sambit Patra had alleged that the proposal for the renovation was hastily approved and involved demolishing the existing structure to build a new one.
AAP leaders denied entry, stage protest
Earlier in the day, AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj tried to enter the former Chief Minister’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, with media personnel. However, they were stopped by police, who had set up barricades and deployed officers outside the bungalow.
Following the denial of entry, Singh and Bharadwaj staged a protest outside the residence. Singh criticized the heavy police presence, saying, “We are not terrorists. Why are we being stopped?” He claimed the BJP’s allegations were politically motivated and baseless.
Singh had earlier challenged the BJP to visit the residence with the media to verify their claims. He accused BJP of using the issue as a diversionary tactic and demanded evidence to support their allegations.
Meanwhile, Trivedi claimed that the people of Delhi feel betrayed by what he described as AAP’s misuse of public funds. He said voters would give a “befitting and appropriate” reply to the AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
AAP leaders have dismissed the accusations, describing them as unfounded. They said that the remodeling of the residence followed proper procedures and that BJP is attempting to deflect attention from their own failures.
