What Does CM Mann Have to Say About the 'Sheesh Mahal 2.0' Controversy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashwani Sharma of the Punjab BJP is demanding answers from CM Mann.
- The controversy involves a government bungalow in Chandigarh.
- Accusations of misuse of public money are at the center of this debate.
- The term 'Sheesh Mahal' has political implications linked to Kejriwal.
- Public trust in governance is under scrutiny.
Chandigarh, Oct 31 (NationPress) The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President Ashwani Sharma has formally requested an explanation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding allegations that a government bungalow in Sector-2, Chandigarh, which was allocated under his Chief Minister quota, is undergoing renovations to become a new 'Sheesh Mahal' for Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party.
In a post on X, Sharma noted that the controversy is reverberating beyond Punjab and into Delhi.
This issue was brought to light by Swati Maliwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha from the AAP, prompting Sharma to directly address Chief Minister Mann.
Sharma stated on the social platform X, 'Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-ji, is it accurate that the bungalow in Sector-2 allotted to you under your CM quota has been transformed into a new 'Sheesh Mahal' for Arvind Kejriwal? The citizens of Punjab deserve clarity on this matter.'
The BJP leader accused Kejriwal of replicating his previous construction of a 'Sheesh Mahal' in Delhi with public funds, suggesting a similar situation is now unfolding in Punjab.
He remarked, 'This is a move for personal extravagance at the cost of taxpayer money, and Bhagwant Mann must provide an explanation.'
Referring to it as 'Sheesh Mahal 2.0', Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP President, heavily criticized Kejriwal for allegedly possessing a lavish government bungalow in Punjab.
'Kejriwal, you need to respond. What exactly is this Sheesh Mahal 2.0? Are you looking to exploit Punjab as you did in Delhi?' Sachdeva queried in a video statement.
He urged Kejriwal to clarify whether the 'Sheesh Mahal' model is now shifting its focus towards Punjab, a state that is a source of national pride, in terms of corruption and exploitation.
'I have learned that Kejriwal has taken possession of a luxurious bungalow in Punjab that surpasses the cost of the one he constructed in Delhi,' added the Delhi BJP Chief.
He also questioned the criteria under which Kejriwal was granted the two-acre, seven-star bungalow in Sector-2, Chandigarh.
The term Sheesh Mahal is a political label the BJP uses to describe Kejriwal's previous residence as Chief Minister at 6 Flag Staff Road in north Delhi, which they claimed resembled a palace.