BJP accuses Kejriwal of constructing new ‘Sheesh Mahal’ in Punjab

Digital Desk

A fresh political controversy erupted on Friday after the Delhi BJP accused former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of building a new “Sheesh Mahal” — a luxurious government bungalow in Chandigarh. The party shared satellite images on social media, claiming that Kejriwal, who calls himself a “common man,” is now staying in a two-acre, seven-star residence located in Sector 2.

Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, have rejected the allegations, calling them “baseless, fabricated, and politically motivated.”

BJP’s claims on social media

The Delhi BJP posted its allegation on X at 11:20 a.m. on October 31, stating that after vacating his Delhi residence, Kejriwal had an even more extravagant house built in Punjab. The post claimed that the new residence was allotted from the Punjab Chief Minister’s quota and sprawls over two acres.

Later, around 3:30 p.m., the Chandigarh BJP amplified the accusations, making three key claims:

Lavish government bungalow: Kejriwal was allegedly given a “seven-star” residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 by the AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann.
Use of government aircraft: The BJP alleged that Kejriwal used a Punjab government helicopter from this house to reach Ambala, where he boarded a private jet to Gujarat for party work.
Misuse of public money: The BJP accused the Punjab government of functioning as Kejriwal’s “personal service team,” even as the state grappled with drug abuse, joblessness, and corruption.

AAP refutes allegations

AAP leaders strongly denied the BJP’s charges. Malvinder Singh Kang, the party’s Punjab spokesperson, said Kejriwal lives in Delhi and does not own or occupy any residence in Punjab. “He visits the state frequently but does not stay there permanently,” Kang clarified.

Anurag Dhanda, AAP’s national spokesperson and media in-charge, also dismissed the BJP’s claims, questioning the plausibility of such a property existing in Chandigarh without the local BJP administration’s approval.

“Who sanctioned the building plan, electricity and water connections? If it’s illegal, why hasn’t the BJP-ruled administration demolished it?” Dhanda asked, calling the allegation “completely false.”

Swati Maliwal calls claim ‘absurd’

AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal also responded on X, posting two updates on Friday.

At 11 a.m.: She accused the BJP of spreading lies about Kejriwal’s residence, saying he occasionally visits Punjab but owns no property there. She mocked the “7-star bungalow” claim as a fabrication.
At 3:44 p.m.: Maliwal said BJP leaders were falsely labelling the property as a “camp office.” She asked how many official meetings had ever taken place there and sarcastically remarked, “The truth is, Kejriwal doesn’t live here. Punjab’s ‘Super CM’ is a myth.”

Background: Maliwal’s earlier clash with AAP

Maliwal’s strained ties with the party resurfaced during the exchange. In May last year, she had alleged that Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar assaulted her during a visit to his Delhi residence. Kumar was arrested on May 18 and later granted bail on September 3 after spending 100 days in jail, with the court observing that her injuries were minor.

Political row deepens

The BJP continues to attack AAP over the so-called “Sheesh Mahal 2.0,” accusing the party of misusing Punjab government resources for Kejriwal’s personal comfort.

AAP, meanwhile, has hit back, calling the entire controversy a “pre-election distraction” aimed at diverting attention from the BJP’s own governance failures.