Congress slams Kejriwal after row over reports of Rs 45 cr spent on 'beautification' of Delhi CM residence

As reports of spending Rs 45 crore for the ''beautification'' of the Delhi chief minister's official residence here surfaced, Congress leader Ajay Maken has raised questions on Arvind Kejriwal's right to remain in his position. Maken on Monday alleged that Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including on extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.

However, before coming to power, the AAP leader distributed printed copies of a sworn affidavit in his New Delhi Legislative Assembly constituency, dated June 7, 2013, in which he made seven promises.

Maken said Kejriwal promised not to use a car with a red light or request additional security beyond what is necessary for a common citizen and refuse a large bungalow and instead live in an ordinary house like a common man. ''Despite naming his party 'Aam Aadmi Party' (common man's party) and making these pledges, Kejriwal spent a fortune on his bungalow when the people of Delhi were desperately seeking oxygen cylinders during the Covid pandemic. ''Moreover, there are more than 6 lakh households in the slums of the city.

This raises questions about his right to remain in his position as a public servant and on whether he has upheld the other promises mentioned in the distributed sworn affidavit, especially considering the urgent needs of the citizens,'' the Congress leader tweeted. The BJP earlier claimed that about Rs 45 crore was spent on the ''beautification'' of the Delhi chief minister's official residence in the city's Civil Lines area and demanded his resignation on ''moral'' grounds.

While no official reaction was available from the Delhi government, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back at the BJP. Senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha said while speaking to Times Now said the residence in question was built in 1942. The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD), after an audit, had recommended its renovation, he said.