Congress slams Kejriwal over reports that ₹45 crore spent on ‘beautification’ of Delhi CM residence

The Congress launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party over the alleged expenditure of ₹45 crore on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. In the wake of reports of spending ₹45 crore for the “beautification” of the Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence in New Delhi, Ajay Maken has raised questions on Arvind Kejriwal’s right to remain in his position.

The Congress on April 27 launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party over the alleged expenditure of ₹45 crore on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, saying it was "shameful" and it was like the party slapping its voters in the face.

The Opposition party also addressed queries about it reaching out to the Aam Aadmi Party on one hand and attacking it on the other, saying there was "no good cop, bad cop" routine and both approaches can co-exist.

Asked about Congress leader Ajay Maken attacking Mr. Kejriwal on row over the reports and the party's official stand on the issue, the party's media department head Pawan Khera said Mr. Maken has said the right thing.

Hitting out at the AAP, Mr. Khera said, "You call yourself an ' aam aadmi [common man]', it is a different matter that nobody considers you an ' aam aadmi' now. During COVID when people were suffering and there was a shortage of oxygen then what were you doing — expenditure of ₹45 crore on renovating your house, building a swimming pool, draping curtains worth lakhs and crores, fitting tiles, is this a am aadmi's government?"

"These are astonishing facts. Some of you would be surprised but not us as we knew what the reality is. But we are still astonished that what kind Aam Aadmi Government is this that used to trumpet about its honesty and simplicity," the Congress spokesperson said.

Mr. Khera said Mr. Maken has pointed to the affidavit that Mr. Kejriwal had given, stressing that he will not stay in official residence, not take security and not use a red beacon car.

"Are you looking at his security now, can even an MLA enter the CM's house. Close to this place was Sheila Dikshit's house when she was CM and in the mornings, the common man could go and meet her without an appointment, MLAs, workers could walk in anytime," Mr. Khera said.