AAP Leaders Clash with Police Over Entry to CM’s Residence Amid Sheesh Mahal Row

Sheesh Mahal Row: AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj were involved in a clash with police outside Chief Minister’s residence in Delhi due to a political tussle over allegations of lavish renovation works at the place, which the BJP leaders term the “Sheesh Mahal”.

Sheesh Mahal Row

Security has been stepped up at the CM’s residence on Flag Staff Road in Civil Lines with police and paramilitary forces blocking the roads. The road was barricaded, and water cannons were stationed as preventive measures. When Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj reached the spot, they were not allowed to pass by the police. According to officials, the keys of the bungalow were with the Public Works Department, and entry could not be allowed. The AAP leaders sat on a dharna, questioning the heavy security arrangements. “Are we terrorists? We are cabinet ministers of the Delhi government,” Singh said, accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation and refusing transparency.

#WATCH | Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP MP Sanjay Singh enter into a heated exchange with Police personnel deployed outside the CM's residence where a Police barricading has been put up and heavy security has been deployed. pic.twitter.com/IfmRDm9e05

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

The row stems from BJP’s allegations that the Delhi CM’s residence, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a symbol of extravagance, complete with swimming pools, a golden commode, and opulent interiors. Delhi unit of the BJP released a video which it claimed was meant to expose the luxury of the residence, terming it a “glass palace” of corruption. Through a strongly worded post on X, the BJP said, “Kejriwal, who came to politics promising simplicity, built a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ while the people of Delhi were fighting the pandemic. The people have seen through this fraud.

The AAP leaders rejected the allegations as false and, with media persons in tow, undertook a token march to the CM’s residence. “We challenge the BJP to show the alleged swimming pool and bar. The BJP is scared because if the CM’s residence is shown, they might have to open up the PM’s residence for scrutiny as well,” said AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj. He added, “Both the CM and PM residences were built with taxpayers’ money during COVID. Let the public see both and decide.”

The AAP also plans to march to the PM’s residence, questioning the BJP’s silence on the construction costs of the new Prime Minister’s residence, which reportedly amounts to ₹2,700 crore. Comparing this to the ₹33 crore renovation of the Delhi CM’s residence, AAP leaders alleged double standards.

Sharp reactions are emerging from political supporters and critics to the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy. While BJP sees AAP as guilty of betrayal and hypocrisy, AAP says that the BJP is shying away from pressing issues with smear campaigns. The ongoing row has now made the existing rivalry between the two parties more fierce and both have capitalized on the controversy for strengthening their political narratives. For now, it’s all lights on the Chief Minister’s house where gates have been locked down.