Kejriwal vacates CM residence

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vacated the official residence on Friday, almost two weeks after Atishi succeeded him, moving to his new address – 5, Ferozshah Road, in Lutyens Delhi.

Kejriwal along with his family left the official CM’s residence on Friday morning. He shifted to party member and Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Ashok Mittal’s official residence at 5, Ferozshah Road, near Mandi House.

Before leaving, the Kejriwal family was given a sentimental farewell by the staff of his old house, with the former CM hugging them in a gesture of affection.

His wife Sunita Kejriwal handed over the keys of 6, Flagstaff bungalow, which is a CM’s residence in North Delhi’s Civil Lines, to a government official. The property is maintained by the Delhi Government’s Public Works Department.

The Kejriwal family entered the Central Government’s bungalow number 5 on Ferozeshah Road after performing a ‘Grih Pravesh’ ritual.

Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister last month, stating he would only return to the post if granted a “certificate of honesty” from the people during the Assembly elections in February.

He had earlier promised to vacate the CM’s official residence during the Navratris, which started on Thursday.

Kejriwal was released on bail from Tihar Jail on September 13, following five months of imprisonment related to the excise policy case.

The BJP had accused Kejriwal of corruption in the renovation of his official bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines in Delhi. They had termed the official residence as ‘Sheesh Mahal’.

The residence has been mired in controversy due to renovations carried out at an enormous cost of Rs 45 crore.

The matter is currently under investigation by the CBI.