Controversy over CM’s residence continues to rage

L-G office defends PWD’s role, AAP hits back

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Updated At : 10:28 AM Oct 13, 2024 IST

Delhi CM house. File photo

The Lieutenant-Governor’s office has issued a statement regarding the recent transfer of the former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence — 6, Flagstaff Road — to the Public Works Department (PWD).

On October 9, Kejriwal had handed over the keys, and the property was subsequently allotted to his successor, Chief Minister Atishi, on October 11, following a standard inventory process conducted by the PWD on October 10.

The PWD is responsible for all government estates and follows established procedures for the allocation of accommodations, consistent with norms applied by the Central Public Works Department for government properties. This process is applicable to all officials, including the PM, Cabinet Ministers and members of the judiciary.

The L-G office emphasised that both Kejriwal and Atishi were fully aware of these regulations. Allegations have arisen that they intentionally subverted the norms during the handover process, with claims that the keys were handed over directly and surreptitiously.

The statement also addressed concerns raised by AAP leaders, who attributed political motives to the L-G regarding the allotment process. It was clarified that the PWD operates as a transferred subject under the control of the AAP government, and the L-G had no involvement in the matter.

Further scrutiny revealed that the residence, while expansive at 1,905 sq m, has not received the necessary municipal approvals, rendering it an illegal structure. The L-G office remarked that these developments reflect ongoing issues within the AAP administration, urging leaders to focus on governance and civic improvements.

Sources within the CMO expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s sad to see this statement by the L-G office, which is full of abuses and allegations against the elected government. The AAP government is busy working on a war footing to revive and fix all the works stopped by the L-G in the last few months. These comments by the L-G are really not worth responding to.”