Delhi CM Atishi Claims BJP Government Cancels Residence Allotment Amid Election Schedule Announcement

On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of cancelling the allotment of her official residence, a bungalow on 6 Flag Staff Road, which is often referred to as “Sheeshmahal” by the BJP due to its controversial renovation costs. The allegations come shortly after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for Delhi’s 2025 Legislative Assembly elections.

Addressing a press conference alongside other AAP leaders, Atishi stated that she had received an eviction notice from the central government the previous evening. She claimed this marked the second instance within three months that the BJP government had evicted her from the official residence allotted to her as Chief Minister. Atishi said, “The schedule for Delhi elections was announced today. Last night, the BJP-led central government, for the second time in three months, threw me out of my official residence, which was allocated to me as the Chief Minister. They cancelled the allotment through a letter and effectively deprived the elected CM of an elected government of her residence.”

VIDEO | "The schedule for Delhi elections was announced today. Last night, the BJP-led central government, for the second time in three months, threw me out of my official residence, which has been allotted to me as being the CM. They cancelled the allotment of the CM residence… pic.twitter.com/utEnBNvRJO

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 7, 2025

The AAP leader further expressed frustration, stating that her belongings were previously thrown out three months ago. She added, “The BJP believes they can stop us from working by evicting us from our homes, abusing us, and attacking my family. They can take away our homes, but they cannot stop our passion for serving the people of Delhi.”

The BJP’s criticism of the AAP intensified after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report revealed that an estimated Rs 33.66 crore had been spent on renovations at the Flag Staff Road bungalow during the tenure of Atishi’s predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal. This expenditure was found to be 342% higher than initially projected.

BJP’s Response:

In response to Atishi’s claims, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Delhi CM of misrepresentation, asserting that she had been allotted the “Sheeshmahal” bungalow in October 2024 but never took possession, leading the authorities to cancel the allotment.

Exposing the false claims of Arvind Kejriwal’s protégé and Delhi CM, Atishi Marlena:

1. She has NOT been evicted.
2. She never moved into Sheesh Mahal, which was allotted to her on October 11, 2024.

Atishi already has an official residence at 17 AB Mathura Road and has been… pic.twitter.com/9UxdO4z9SU

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 7, 2025

Official Statement from the Delhi Government:

According to a notice issued on January 6, 2025, by the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD), the bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road is not designated for the Chief Minister’s use, as it belongs to the General Pool according to official records. The PWD confirmed that Atishi had been offered alternative accommodations at Bungalow No. 2, Raj Niwas Lane, Civil Lines, and Bungalow No. 115, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, both of which are part of the General Pool.

The department further clarified that the CM never physically occupied the Flag Staff Road property, despite multiple communications. The PWD cited several factors influencing the cancellation of the allotment, including ongoing investigations requiring periodic access to the property, the property’s designation as a General Pool bungalow, and the stipulation that allotment is automatically revoked if physical occupation is not taken within five working days of the issuance of the Habitability Certificate.

Delhi Assembly Elections 2025:

Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, 2025, in a single phase, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8. The final electoral roll for the elections has registered 1,55,24,858 voters in Delhi, reflecting a 1.09% increase since the publication of the draft electoral list on October 29, 2024. Delhi’s Legislative Assembly consists of 70 constituencies, including 58 General and 12 Scheduled Caste (SC) seats.