Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal gets new address; Centre allots Type 7 bungalow to AAP chief

NEW DELHI: Former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP ) chief Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted a new government bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate, based on his eligibility as the head of a national political party .

The allotment was made in his capacity as the national convenor of AAP, which holds national party status.

AAP’s over decade-long rule in Delhi, largely under Kejriwal’s leadership, ended earlier this year after the BJP formed the government in the Union Territory. The party, however, continues to govern Punjab under chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi high court criticised the Centre for delaying the allotment of a residence to Kejriwal, describing the approach as a "free system for all." The court noted that the Centre cannot selectively decide who is entitled to government accommodation in the national capital.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government is planning to convert the bungalow, mockingly dubbed " Sheesh Mahal " by Kejriwal’s critics, into a state guest house with a cafeteria, senior officials said on Saturday.

The residence was renovated during Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister and was at the centre of corruption allegations.