Former Union minister and BJP leader Vijay Goel with party supporters shout slogans during a protest against Ex-Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at the 5, Ferozeshah Road, in New Delhi, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Former Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel, along with party workers, on Friday staged a protest against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of unauthorised occupation of a government bungalow allotted to his party MP.
Goel said he would lodge a complaint with the the Rajya Sabha chairman in the matter.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded to the BJP saying Kejriwal was offered accommodation by "entire Delhi" but chose to stay at MP Ashok Mittal's bungalow to stay directly connected with his New Delhi constituency.
During the protest, held at 5 Ferozeshah Road outside the MP's bungalow, Goel criticised Kejriwal for betraying his earlier promises of not using government luxuries.
"This is the same Arvind Kejriwal who had given an affidavit saying he wouldn't use a government bungalow, car, or security upon becoming chief minister, yet he occupied a mansion worth crores like Sheesh Mahal," the BJP leader added.
He said the purpose of the protest was to expose Kejriwal's double standards to the people of Delhi.
Former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal on Friday vacated the 6, Flagstaff Road address — his home for nine years — and moved to a bungalow in the Lutyens' zone. The AAP national convener with his family has shifted to 5 Ferozeshah Road near Mandi House. The bungalow is allotted to AAP's Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Ashok Mittal.
Goel, in a statement, later said it was improper for Kejriwal to reside in a bungalow meant for an MP, where facilities are provided at subsidised rates to support parliamentary work.
The former Union minister said he will file a formal complaint with the the Rajya Sabha chairman, questioning how an MP can allow another individual to occupy his official residence for an extended period.
Responding to BJP's allegations, the AAP said Kejriwal decided to stay at Mittal's place as it allows him to stay directly connected with his constituency.
"Entire Delhi opened their house to welcome their son, brother, Arvind Kejriwal, offering their home for his stay. He is thankful to Ashok Mittalji for inviting him as a guest to stay with his family," the party said in a statement.