Has Arvind Kejriwal Found His New Address in Delhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Arvind Kejriwal has secured a new official residence at bungalow number 95, Lodhi Estate.
- The bungalow is a Type 7 accommodation as per government guidelines.
- Kejriwal's previous residence was vacated after the AAP's loss in the Assembly elections.
- The move follows a court petition for official housing.
- Kejriwal's new address includes ample facilities for both living and work.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) The search for a new official residence for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has concluded at bungalow number 95, Lodhi Estate, as confirmed by party and official sources on Tuesday.
Following an inspection of the bungalow on Monday, Kejriwal is poised to occupy the Type 7 bungalow allocated to him by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the quota designated for national presidents of recognized political parties.
Previously, Kejriwal had shown interest in an adjacent bungalow previously occupied by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. However, during a hearing concerning an AAP petition in the Delhi High Court for an official residence, the Centre informed the court that the Type 7 bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, which was previously utilized by Mayawati, is now allocated to Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.
The AAP has been advocating for a government residence for Kejriwal, considering his position as the president of a recognized national party.
In their petition, they referenced the guidelines for accommodation allotment, which stipulate that the president of a recognized national party is entitled to a government residence in Delhi if they neither own a property nor have one allocated in any other official capacity.
On September 25, the Centre communicated its intention to provide an 'appropriate' bungalow to Kejriwal within ten days.
This information was presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta before Justice Sachin Datta, who indicated that an order would be issued after considering his statement.
Rahul Mehra, the lawyer representing the AAP, called for the allocation of a Type 8 or Type 7 bungalow for Kejriwal, a claim that was challenged by the Solicitor General, who remarked that ordinary citizens do not contend for a Type 8 bungalow.
Nevertheless, he reassured the court that Kejriwal would receive an 'appropriate' government bungalow in Delhi within ten days, adhering to the regulations.
Upon being notified about the allotment of bungalow number 95, Lodhi Estate, on Monday by officials, Kejriwal inspected and approved the four-bedroom accommodation, which also features an office space, a lawn, a garage, and three servant quarters, as stated by a party leader.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will reside nearby at bungalow number 97.
Currently, Kejriwal is residing in an MP bungalow at 5, Ferozeshah Road, which is allocated to party Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal.
He vacated his official residence assigned as Delhi Chief Minister in north Delhi in November 2024, following the AAP's loss in the Assembly elections in February.