BJP Accuses Kejriwal of New "Sheesh Mahal" in Chandigarh: AAP Denies Allegations and Demands Proof

Blurry aerial images of what is allegedly Arvind Kejriwal's Chandigarh 'sheeshmahal' have emerged on social media platform X.

New Delhi:

The 'sheeshmahal' controversy has resurfaced.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has revived the narrative it effectively wielded during Delhi elections eight months ago—accusing Arvind Kejriwal of misappropriating Rs 45 crore in taxpayer funds. Now, the BJP has shared an image of a mansion in Chandigarh's Sector 2, claiming it was allocated to Kejriwal.

According to the BJP's post, this "7-star bungalow," reportedly spanning two acres, was allocated to Kejriwal by the Punjab government, which is controlled by his Aam Aadmi Party.

The AAP promptly challenged the BJP to provide evidence that the bungalow was indeed allocated to Kejriwal and accused the BJP of spreading misinformation after being exposed over Delhi's air pollution claims.

Anurag Dhanda, AAP's national media officer, offered a pointed response, noting that Chandigarh's administration falls under BJP control, asking, "When are you planning to demolish it?"

'Another grand 'sheeshmahal': BJP

"The man who pretended to be the 'common man' has had another grand 'sheeshmahal' built..." the BJP's Delhi unit posted on X, "After vacating the Delhi 'sheeshmahal,' Punjab's 'Super Chief Minister' Arvind Kejriwalji has had an even more splendid 'sheeshmahal' constructed in Punjab..."

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also alleged that AAP leaders defeated in Delhi elections had been 'compensated' with positions in Punjab and demanded explanations.

"And this isn't the only issue... they haven't provided the money promised to Punjab women but arranged a 100-car convoy for Kejriwal's VVIP security, and now a '7-star mansion for him," he stated.

The photograph was also shared 20 minutes earlier by AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, whose relationship with Kejriwal and the party remains tense following allegations from May last year when she accused Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, of physical assault.

Maliwal also claimed the Punjab government was focused on "serving one man."

"Yesterday, he boarded a government helicopter directly from his residence to Ambala, and then from Ambala, the Punjab government's private jet transported him to Gujarat for party business..."

'Fake BJP': AAP responds

AAP's Delhi unit responded quickly, criticizing what they called a 'frustrated BJP'.

"Since the Prime Minister's fabricated Yamuna story was exposed, the BJP appears to have lost composure. In its frustration, the BJP is now falsifying everything—fake Yamuna, fake pollution statistics, fake rainfall claims, and now fake 7-star allegations," the party stated.

Meanwhile, Dhanda, replying to Virendra Sachdeva, the BJP's Delhi unit chief, attempted to reverse the narrative.

"Chandigarh has a BJP administration. So the question is: Who approved the building plans? Who provided the electricity connection? Who supplied the water connection? How did the police permit its construction?"

Sachdeva had accused Kejriwal and AAP of attempting to "exploit" Punjab.

"After the 'sheeshmahal' in Delhi, Kejriwal has now constructed a 'sheeshmahal' in Chandigarh too. After exploiting Delhi, he's preparing to exploit Punjab as well. Answer, Kejriwal. What is this 'sheeshmahal' 2.0?"

The image shared by Delhi BJP and Maliwal depicted the 'sheeshmahal' situated on a corner plot surrounded by extensive trees and landscaped gardens, in an otherwise vacant expanse of land.

Delhi 'sheeshmahal' to become a guest house?

Earlier this month, the Delhi government confirmed plans to transform the 'sheeshmahal' in the capital—located at 6, Flag Staff Road—into a guest house, complete with an on-site cafeteria.

During election campaigns and after winning, the BJP boasted it would convert it into a 'museum'—a remarkable addition to the city's tourist attractions. "We will include 'sheeshmahal' on the circuit," declared Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, "We will sell tickets for people to view..."

Kejriwal and AAP suffered a significant defeat in the February election, losing control of the Delhi government for the first time in over a decade. The party that had secured over 60 seats (out of 70) in both 2015 and 2020 managed only 22, with Kejriwal—a three-term MLA—facing the humiliation of losing his own seat.

The 'sheeshmahal' controversy was widely regarded as a key factor in AAP's defeat, with the BJP relentlessly targeting Arvind Kejriwal and his party over alleged corruption.

An October 2024 Central Public Works Department report highlighted 'luxurious renovations' and 'high-end appliance installations.' Subsequently, the central government ordered an investigation and instructed the CPWD to examine additional allegations that building regulations were violated during the bungalow's construction.

With input from agencies

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