Public funds spent on lavish lifestyle of Delhi CM, have no right to continue in office: Ajay Maken

New Delhi (India), April 26, 2023: The opulent living arrangements of Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, have come under scrutiny as reports surfaced alleging the expenditure of Rs 45 crore for the “beautification” of his official residence.

Congress leader Ajay Maken raised concerns about Kejriwal’s moral authority to hold office, stating that the public funds were spent on lavish items such as Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.

Maken highlighted Kejriwal’s promises, made before coming to power, in which he pledged to refrain from using a car with a red light or excessive security and to reside in an ordinary house, akin to a common man. Despite his party’s name, “Aam Aadmi Party” (common man’s party), Kejriwal’s actions have raised questions about his commitment to the people of Delhi, especially during the pandemic when citizens were struggling to procure essential items like oxygen cylinders.

The Congress leader pointed out that the chief minister’s exorbitant expenditure comes at a time when more than 6 lakh households in the city’s slums are in dire need of basic amenities. The credibility of Kejriwal’s leadership is thus in question, and whether he has kept his promises mentioned in the sworn affidavit distributed during his campaign remains to be seen.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded Kejriwal’s resignation on “moral” grounds, but the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dismissed these claims. AAP leader Raghav Chadha clarified that the residence in question was built in 1942 and recommended for renovation by the Delhi government’s Public Works Department after an audit.

As the debate rages on, the citizens of Delhi are left to ponder the true intentions of their elected representatives and the extent to which they represent the common man.