High drama in Delhi during AAP’s march to CM house.
Delhi Minister and AAP Leaders Stage Protest Amid ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Row
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, along with AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and several party workers, staged a sit-in protest after the Delhi Police stopped them from visiting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. The protest was part of the ongoing controversy surrounding the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ issue, which has been at the center of political debate in Delhi.
The protestors were attempting to march towards the CM’s residence, but Delhi Police barricaded the area, citing security concerns. Bhardwaj, Singh, and other AAP members were seen sitting on the road near the barricades, raising slogans and demanding an explanation regarding the controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s residence. The leaders have been vocal about their concerns regarding alleged attempts to malign the reputation of Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the Delhi Police of acting on instructions from the central government, claiming that the police were interfering with the democratic right of citizens and political leaders to peacefully protest. “We are here to meet our Chief Minister and seek clarification on the accusations being made. Instead of allowing us to carry out our peaceful protest, we are being stopped. This is undemocratic,” Bhardwaj said.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ row refers to a series of accusations made against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP regarding the alleged misuse of government resources for personal gain. The controversy gained traction after allegations surfaced about the construction of an extravagant “Sheesh Mahal” inside the CM’s residence. The opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been pressing for an investigation into the matter, claiming that Kejriwal has been using public funds for luxury and personal indulgence.
AAP, however, has strongly denied these allegations, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to discredit the Delhi government. Kejriwal has repeatedly maintained that the accusations are baseless and aimed at diverting attention from the government’s achievements. The party’s leaders argue that the charges are nothing more than a smear campaign.
As the protest unfolded, tensions escalated, with several AAP leaders demanding that the Delhi Police allow them to proceed with their march. Meanwhile, party workers continued to chant slogans, showing solidarity with their leaders and vowing to take their fight to every corner of Delhi. The protest lasted for hours before the police began to disperse the crowd.
The developments have added fuel to the ongoing political fire in the capital, with both AAP and the opposition continuing to lock horns over the issue. As of now, the Delhi Police have not commented on the allegations, but the situation remains tense, with the opposition urging a thorough probe into the matter.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj lashed out at the BJP, claiming that the party had been circulating new videos and photos daily regarding the alleged ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy. He pointed out that today, the situation had escalated, with the police deploying three layers of barricades, water cannons, and an Additional DCP to block their protest. Bhardwaj criticized the BJP for trying to prevent media access and demanded transparency. “Show us the swimming pool and bar they keep talking about,” he said, adding that the BJP had claimed the CM’s residence was built for Rs 33 crore. He contrasted this with the alleged Rs 2,700 crore being spent on the Prime Minister’s residence, calling for public scrutiny of both.