AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who recently stepped down as the Chief Minister of Delhi, will “live among the common people” after vacating his official residence in Civil Lines within the next 15 days. This announcement was made by senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh during a press conference on Wednesday.
Singh stated that Arvind Kejriwal has decided to give up all government facilities that come with the role of a chief minister, including security, an official car, driver, and other staff. “Any elected chief minister gets many government facilities, but after resigning from the post of CM on Tuesday, the first thing he said was he would vacate the house and give up all these facilities in 15 days,” Singh explained.
Kejriwal’s Future Plans Post-Resignation
While Kejriwal’s next place of residence remains undisclosed, Singh emphasized that Arvind Kejriwal intends to live among the common people. Despite being eligible for government-provided accommodation as the head of a national political party, Kejriwal appears to be making a personal choice to forego such amenities.
Regarding Kejriwal’s security, Singh pointed out that the AAP chief has faced numerous attacks in the past, particularly from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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Despite concerns about his safety, Arvind Kejriwal is determined to vacate the official residence and live without the perks of government office. “God is with him… He lived in jail for six months among dreaded criminals… God will protect him, and he is not worried about the house or the government perks,” Singh said, adding that Kejriwal has not yet decided where he will move.
Controversy Surrounding the Civil Lines Residence
The Delhi CM House at Flag Staff Road in Civil Lines has been a subject of controversy over the past year, facing allegations of corruption. The BJP dubbed the residence a “Sheesh Mahal,” accusing the AAP government of overspending on its renovation. As a result of these allegations, 10 Public Works Department (PWD) officials involved in the house’s renovation were suspended for alleged corruption.
Following Kejriwal’s resignation, Atishi has been named as his successor for the next five months until the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Singh expressed confidence in the people of Delhi, stating that they would affirm Kejriwal’s integrity with a strong majority in the elections.
Kejriwal’s resignation and his decision to live among the people signify a significant change in Delhi’s political landscape, as AAP gears up for the forthcoming elections. The move also reinforces the party’s image of being closely connected to the common citizens and their everyday lives.
