With news that Rs 45 crore was spent on the “beautification” of Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, Congressman Ajay Maken has questioned Kejriwal’s eligibility to continue serving as a public official. Maken charged Kejriwal with using taxpayer money for opulent items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, pricey curtains, and high-end carpets for his bungalow despite his election-day affidavit, in which he pledged to live in an ordinary home, refrain from driving when the light was red, and not ask for more security than what is required for a regular citizen.
Maken emphasised the city’s approximately 6 lakh slum-dwelling homes and the critical needs of the populace, particularly during the COVID outbreak. He questioned Kejriwal’s commitment to the other pledges included in his affidavit.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which asserts that over Rs 45 crore was spent on the “beautification” of Kejriwal’s official residence, has requested Kejriwal’s resignation on “moral” grounds. The governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fired back, with senior AAP spokesman Raghav Chadha claiming that Kejriwal’s mansion was built in 1942, which is 75–80 years ago, and that the Public Works department (PWD) of the Delhi government had advised refurbishment after an audit.
No official reaction was available from the Delhi government.