AAP, BJP SPAR: Delhi CM asked to vacate Civil Lines home, premises sealed

NEW DELHI: The ongoing controversy surrounding the Delhi Chief Minister's residence escalated on Wednesday when newly appointed CM Atishi was instructed to vacate the Civil Lines home she had recently occupied. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) stated that the house had been sealed, creating significant political ramifications in the capital.

- AIMAN FATIMA & SURUCHI KUMARI

Atishi moved into the residence just two days prior, following the departure of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who vacated the premises last week after resigning from his position. PWD officials indicated that although Atishi held the keys to the property, she had not received an official allotment letter, raising questions about the legitimacy of her claim to the residence. The absence of a designated official residence for the Chief Minister in Delhi adds to the complexity of the situation, as Kejriwal had resided in this particular house since 2015, following extensive renovations.

The Chief Minister's Office reacted strongly to the sealing of the residence, labelling the action as "unprecedented." In an official statement, it was declared: "For the first time in the history of the country, the Chief Minister has been asked to vacate her house."

Continues from P1 T The statement further alleged that the L-G acted on the BJP's behalf to forcibly remove Atishi's belongings, insinuating that there were plans to allocate the residence to a senior BJP leader.