In a move sparking a fresh confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has been evicted from her official residence just two days after she moved in. According to the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena ordered the removal of her belongings from the property. This has led to accusations from AAP, alleging that the action was taken “at the behest of the BJP,” signaling political interference in what should have been a routine transition of office.
WATCH:
#WATCH | Visuals from outside the residence of Delhi Chief Minister, 6-flag Staff Road, Civil Lines.
A team of PWD officials has reached here. Delhi CMO claims that Delhi LG got all the belongings of Chief Minister Atishi removed from the Chief Minister's residence. pic.twitter.com/L3ukGlWYLk
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2024
The CMO claimed, “For the first time in the country’s history, the Chief Minister’s residence was forcibly vacated.” The visuals of the incident showed officials removing several boxes and luggage from the bungalow, situated at Flagstaff Road, a prestigious address in Civil Lines, North Delhi. A double lock was placed on the residence, with sources indicating that proper handover procedures, including submission of paperwork to the Public Works Department (PWD), had not been completed, leading to the eviction.
Atishi had recently shifted to this residence, which was previously occupied by her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal, who vacated the bungalow after his resignation as Delhi CM. However, the BJP quickly claimed that the property had not yet been officially handed over to Atishi, raising questions about the legitimacy of her move.
The incident has already triggered a significant political stir, with AAP leaders accusing the BJP of trying to “seize” the CM’s official bungalow. Sanjay Singh, an AAP MP, stated that the BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for over 27 years, is now attempting to “occupy” the CM’s residence through indirect means. He further alleged that the LG’s office was under pressure from the BJP to ensure the bungalow was taken away from Atishi.
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As of now, the Lieutenant Governor’s office has not responded to the allegations, and the situation remains tense with accusations flying from both sides. This episode further deepens the ongoing conflict between the Delhi government and the Centre, represented by the LG, a frequent flashpoint in recent years. The larger political battle between the AAP and BJP appears to be intensifying as Delhi heads toward future electoral contests.