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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi launched a significant protest outside the former residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, focusing on allegations of lavish renovations costing ₹45 crore. The protest, led by BJP Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva and notably featuring former AAP leader Kailash Gahlot, underscores the escalating political tension in Delhi ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. Hundreds of BJP supporters participated, engaging in vocal demonstrations against the AAP and its national convenor. The visual spectacle, captured and widely shared via social media, showed protesters utilizing police barricades, highlighting the intensity of the protest and the perceived inaction from law enforcement in the initial stages. The protest's central theme revolves around the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy, a term coined by the BJP to criticize what it considers extravagant spending on the renovation of Kejriwal's official residence.
Kailash Gahlot's recent defection from the AAP to the BJP plays a crucial role in this political drama. Gahlot, a former senior minister in the Kejriwal government, cited the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy in his resignation letter, suggesting it compromised the AAP's core principles of representing the 'aam aadmi' (common man). His participation in the BJP's protest added weight to the accusations and provided a high-profile defection for the BJP to leverage in the upcoming elections. Gahlot's statements to the media reiterate his belief that the spending was excessive and contrasts sharply with the AAP's justification. He confidently predicted a BJP victory in the 2025 election, citing public dissatisfaction with the AAP government's performance regarding infrastructure and essential services. His switch, coming only days after formally joining the BJP, sends a potent message about the political climate and the potential shift in public opinion.
The BJP's accusations center around the alleged use of taxpayer money for what they describe as luxurious furnishings, including reportedly gold-plated fittings and a high-priced television. Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP president, publicly demanded transparency from Kejriwal regarding the source of funds used for the renovations. He emphasized the alleged extravagance of the furnishings found in the bungalow after Kejriwal vacated it, highlighting the contrast between the alleged lavishness and the AAP's image of representing ordinary citizens. In contrast, the AAP maintains that the upgrades were necessary due to the age and condition of the Chief Minister's residence, originally constructed in 1942. They further argue that the Public Works Department (PWD) recommended these changes, shifting the responsibility away from direct AAP decisions. This conflicting narrative between accusations of lavish spending and necessary renovations forms the core of the political dispute.
Gahlot's move to the BJP is not without its own political context. His dismissal as Law Minister in December 2023, following the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, appears to have significantly impacted his relationship with the AAP. Speculation surrounding the reasons for his departure include possible disagreements within the party and the perceived lack of opportunities for advancement. However, Gahlot has refuted allegations of pressure from federal investigative agencies, like the CBI and ED, often used by opposition parties to claim political maneuvering and intimidation. This element adds another layer to the complex political dynamics at play, highlighting the potential influence of such agencies and the strategies employed by political parties in the lead-up to elections. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining whether this strategy has had the desired outcome for the BJP and how the public perceives the accusations and counter-arguments.
The 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy has become a major talking point in Delhi's political landscape, effectively setting the stage for a heated electoral battle. The BJP has seized the opportunity to portray the AAP as having strayed from its original principles, while the AAP defends its actions and attempts to shift blame to the PWD. The success of either party in the upcoming election may depend in large part on the public's reception of these competing narratives and their assessment of the credibility of the allegations. The involvement of a high-profile former AAP leader like Kailash Gahlot adds another dimension to the contest, giving the BJP a powerful voice and further fueling the already intense political rivalry in Delhi.
Source: BJP, With Kailash Gahlot At Fore, Launches 'Sheeshmahal' Protest Against AAP