New Delhi: The political storm over former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bungalow has escalated, with the Delhi High Court issuing a sharp rebuke to the Centre. The court pulled up the government, directing it to stop “bungalow politics” and ensure fair and transparent allocation of government residences.
The controversy began months ago in Lodhi Estate, when a government bungalow was vacated. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded that the residence be allotted to Arvind Kejriwal. However, the Centre claimed that the waiting list was long and the process would take time. Instead, the bungalow was later allocated to another leader, prompting AAP to move the High Court.
During the hearing, Justice Sachin Dutta questioned the Centre, asking: “If the bungalow was vacant before August 26, on what basis was it given to someone else? Where is the waiting list, and why is there no transparency in the process?”
AAP has alleged that the Centre is deliberately delaying allotment as political vendetta, while the government maintains that rules apply equally to all and no special exemptions can be made. The High Court, however, made it clear that rules must be applied in both letter and spirit, with genuine transparency.
The Centre has been asked to submit its response by September 18. The case is now poised to become another flashpoint in the Centre vs AAP political battle. Whether Kejriwal gets the bungalow or not, one thing is clear — in Delhi politics, a government residence is no longer just a home, but a symbol of power and political prestige.
