Kejriwal gets bungalow after year-long wait; neighbors include Shashi Tharoor
What's the story
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted a Type-VII bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate. The allotment comes nearly a year after he resigned as Delhi Chief Minister and moved out of his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road. The new accommodation is the second largest category of government residential accommodation.
Bungalow details
New neighbors for Kejriwal
The Type-VII bungalow allotted to Kejriwal is around 5,000 square feet and comes with four bedrooms, large lawns, a garage, three servant quarters, and space for an office. It also has two side lawns and an office area. His new neighbors include Congress leader Shashi Tharoor at bungalow 97 and Army officials at bungalows 94 and 96. RJD's Misa Bharati and Congress's Priyanka Gandhi are also nearby residents with bungalows 82 and 81, respectively.
Housing history
Kejriwal's earlier request for different bungalow was denied
Kejriwal had earlier sought the bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, previously occupied by Mayawati. However, that residence was allotted to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in July. On September 25, the central government had assured the Delhi High Court during court proceedings that Kejriwal would be provided official accommodation within 10 days.
Renovation plans
Delhi government to convert old residence into state guest house
The Delhi government is now planning to convert Kejriwal's old official residence into a state guest house with a cafeteria. His old residence has been dubbed 'Sheesh Mahal' by political opponents, alleging a "big scam" during the renovation of the official bungalow. During the audit of Kejriwal's official residence for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) estimated the overall cost of restoration work at ₹33.66 crore, 342% more than the tender value.