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The political landscape of Delhi has been further inflamed by a recent controversy surrounding the Chief Minister's residence, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The issue began when Atishi, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, was evicted from the Flagstaff Road residence, a property traditionally occupied by the state's leader. Atishi, in a direct attack on the BJP, alleges that the party forcibly took possession of the residence after failing to secure a majority in the Delhi Assembly. She further claims that the BJP, desperate to gain control of the government, resorted to various tactics including Operation Lotus (an alleged attempt to buy AAP members) and the imprisonment of AAP leaders in order to weaken the party. Atishi claims that the BJP's actions demonstrate a desperate attempt to dismantle the AAP and undermine its authority.
The BJP, however, has vehemently denied all accusations, labeling Atishi's claims as “melodrama” and an attempt to portray herself as a victim. They dismissed the accusations as a tactic for garnering sympathy and deflecting attention from the AAP's internal challenges. The BJP asserts that the AAP, facing accusations of corruption and impropriety, is desperately attempting to shift public attention away from their own shortcomings. In addition, the BJP argues that Atishi's claims of forced eviction are false, as she is currently residing in another official residence, a luxurious bungalow previously occupied by Sheila Dikshit, the former Chief Minister of Delhi. This, the BJP contends, illustrates that Atishi’s complaints are disingenuous and driven by political expediency.
The conflict has also drawn attention to the role of the Lieutenant Governor, who is appointed by the central government and holds significant administrative authority in Delhi. AAP has accused the LG of colluding with the BJP in the eviction of Atishi. They allege that the LG's actions are a direct violation of the people's mandate and a blatant attempt to obstruct the functioning of the AAP government. The AAP maintains that the LG should prioritize the welfare of the people and focus on his constitutional responsibilities rather than engage in partisan politics. The BJP has not directly addressed these allegations, choosing to focus on Atishi's claims and their counter-arguments. This incident is likely to further escalate tensions between the AAP and BJP in Delhi, with the accusations and counter-accusations likely to continue, deepening the political divide within the national capital.
Source: BJP: Atishi Accuses BJP of Forcibly Occupying CM Residence Amid Political Turmoil