NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday criticized former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, labeling him as “the biggest symbol of VVIP culture,” due to alleged lavish expenses on his government residence. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia highlighted alleged extravagant costs, including toilet seats and appliances valued at around Rs 12 crore, as well as the installation of 50 air conditioners in the residence when Kejriwal was chief minister.
At a press conference, Bhatia referenced Kejriwal’s 2013 social media post criticizing former CM Sheila Dikshit for her use of multiple ACs, including in bathrooms. Bhatia stated that Kejriwal, who had positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader, has since removed the post. He argued that Kejriwal, once a critic of luxurious lifestyles in public office, has now embraced them himself.
Documents reportedly reveal that the bungalow, spanning 21,000 sq ft, was outfitted with a 250-tonne AC unit, expensive toilet seats, and a television worth Rs 28.91 lakh. Bhatia questioned Kejriwal’s moral stance, accusing him of abandoning the ideology that propelled him to power.
Bhatia further criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he carried a booklet appearing to be the Constitution but with blank pages, a claim the Congress denies. He rebuked opposition leaders for accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of being anti-Constitution, arguing instead that the BJP has upheld constitutional values by repealing Article 370 and avoiding practices like President’s Rule and Emergency.
The BJP called for accountability from both Kejriwal and Gandhi, demanding they address these allegations.
