Massive Showdown Against Kejriwal Over ‘Sheesh Mahal' Row, Kailash Gahlot Leads BJP Stir

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) on Thursday staged a protest near the residence of AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy. The demonstraters alleged that "extravagant luxurious items" were used for the renovation of the official bungalow that was earlier occupied by Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister.

The protest was led by former AAP leader Kailash Gahlot who recently joined the BJP, citing several controversies, including 'Sheesh Mahal' surrounding the party and a significant shift in the party's focus from advocating for the rights of the people to advancing its own political agenda. He had claimed that this shift hindered AAP's ability to provide basic services to the residents of Delhi. Police said they detained some BJP leaders who took part in the protest.

Kailash Gahlot Leads BJP Stir Against Kejriwal

While leading BJP's charge in the city, the Najafgarh MLA said that, in the letter, he wrote to Kejriwal, while tendering his resignation from the party, he had clearly mentioned that “Sheesh Mahal” controversy "is truly unfortunate. This is an example of compromise with the core principles of AAP."

BJP leader Kailash Gahlot said, "We have come here to protest over the 'Sheesh Mahal' issue. When I wrote a letter to Arvind Kejriwal, I wrote clearly that a controversy has been created over Sheesh Mahal is truly unfortunate. This is an example of compromise with the core principles of AAP..."

The BJP leader also expressed hope for saffron party's victory in the upcoming assembly elections in the national capital. 

"I think this time BJP will form the Government in Delhi this time. People are troubled because work was not done in Delhi - sewers are overflowing, drinking water is not being supplied, roads are damaged. I am confident that the people of Delhi will make BJP win this time," he added. 

Referring to the bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road, as "Sheesh Mahal", BJP leaders claimed the expensive items found there were not provided by the Public Works Department (PWD) that owns the property.  Apart from Gahlot, other BJP leaders including the party's Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva, and Leader of Opposition Vijendra Gupta also joined the stir near Kejriwal's present residence at Firoz Shah Road. 

What is 'Sheesh Mahal' Controversy?

The BJP claims that Kejriwal spent taxpayers' money on personal comfort during his tenure as Delhi CM. The BJP leaders allege that Kejriwal spent crores on lavish items and modern facilities at "Sheesh Mahal", bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road (Kejriwal's residence during his tenure as CM).  The BJP has alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of the bungalow and claimed that exorbitantly expensive household goods were used there. 

Kejriwal faced severe criticism from the BJP after allegations surfaced that over Rs 45 crore had been spent on renovations of his old official residence. He was accused of betraying his promise of "simple living" upon entering politics. The BJP had earlier highlighted extravagant details, in link with the row, such as imported marble from Vietnam and pre-fabricated wooden walls and curtains costing lakhs of rupees each. The revelation, including a single curtain priced at nearly Rs 8 lakh, fueled controversy over the use of public funds for luxurious enhancements.

After stepping down as Delhi Chief Minister on September 17, Kejriwal vacated the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow in October this year.