Kejriwal cringes, refuses to shift to posh govt flats

Facing sharp reaction from opposition parties and criticism from his own party members, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday refused to shift into the two 5 BHK duplex flats and demanded “smaller” accommodation.

On Friday, Kejriwal defended his move by saying, “Earlier, I used to stay in a four BHK, and now, I am going to shift into a five BHK. If you have any problem, you can compare the accommodation with the former chief minister’s accommodation.”

But within 24 hours, as he realised that his “aam aadmi” image is being tarnished by accepting two big government flats, he made a U-turn on Saturday. He, however, said his U-turn is also inspired by “people’s decision”.

“I will not shift in the new house. A lot of relatives, party members and other people have suggested me through phone calls and messages not to shift in the new house. I have informed government officials that I will not accept the two flats,” he told reporters.

Asked about the alternate plan of his accommodation, he said, “As of now, I will continue my work from my Kaushambi residence in Ghaziabad. I have requested the government to provide me a smaller accommodation.”

On Friday, senior BJP legislator Sahib Singh Chauhan, during his speech, targeted
the Delhi chief minister for accepting the big government flats.

BJP salvo

“I know that the chief minister, who was voted to power as an ‘aam aadmi’, is now going to shift to large government flats. What kind of common man he is? Has he changed his ideology after coming in to power?” he said.

After Kejriwal refused to shift into a type-seven bungalow — which he is entitled to after taking oath as the Chief Minister — the government officials had found two 5 BHK duplex government apartments on Bhagwan Das Road after scanning a number of flats near Delhi Secretariat. Kejriwal had confirmed these two flats for his “official residence and residential office” after his family visited there.

Apart from the government flats, the oppositions and party supporters also frowned over the decision of Cabinet ministers to travel in government vehicle. Asked about why the ministers accepted government vehicles, Delhi Social Welfare Minister Rakhi Birla had said, “Won’t you people get vehicles from your office? If I get a vehicle from my office then what is the problem? It is not for my personal use. I will go on official rounds in this car.”
Education Minister Manish Sisodia had clarified that he never said the ministers will not use government vehicles.