Arvind Kejriwal and his predecessors in the state government may have political differences, but their longing for palatial accommodations in the heart of the Capital brings them together.
Despite having seven bungalows in possession of the Delhi government, Chief Minister Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia have been looking for bungalows for themselves from the Central pool accommodation.
Following into footsteps of previous Delhi chief ministers, Kejriwal has also refused to shift into the four-bedroom bungalow at 33, Shamnath Marg and is eyeing a residence in Lutyens’ zone or Central Delhi. Similarly, Sisodia has also demanded to be shifted to AB-17, Mathura Road, which was previously occupied by former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit till 2004.
Apart from the Shamnath Marg bungalow, the Delhi government has been allotted six other bungalows, including four on Raj Niwas Marg and one each on DDU Marg and Chanakyapuri.
Delhi ministers are entitled to type 6 bungalows but Kejriwal and Sisodia have insisted on type 7 bungalows for them, sources said. Sisodia’s demand can only be met by the Union Urban Development Ministry as the bungalow he has demanded for comes under the Central pool. The AB-17 bungalow is a type 7 duplex with a huge drawing-cum-dining hall, sprawling lawns and staff quarters within the premises.
“The Centre has been requested to allot the bungalow at AB-17, Mathura Road to Delhi government,” said a Delhi government official, while adding that the search is on for a suitable type-7 accommodation for Kejriwal.
It may be recalled that Kerjiwal, during his 49-day government in the Capital, had refused to accept government bungalow to end the VIP culture. However, he faced criticism after he moved into a type-6 flat near India Gate.
During his previous stint as the chief minister, Kejriwal was allotted a type 6 house at CII/23, Tilak Lane.
