Kejriwal Moves to New Delhi Residence Following Resignation: A New Chapter in His Political Journey
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), recently made a significant move as he relocated from the Chief Minister’s official residence to a new bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi. This transition occurred following his resignation from the position of Delhi Chief Minister. Kejriwal, who had been residing at 6 Flagstaff Road in the Civil Lines area of North Delhi since 2015, has now shifted to a bungalow located on Ferozeshah Road.
The new house, bungalow number 5 on Ferozeshah Road, is near the AAP headquarters and was originally allocated to Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Punjab, representing AAP. Kejriwal, along with his family, which includes his wife, children, and elderly parents, will now reside in this new location. This move has sparked interest in the political circles and among the public, as it follows Kejriwal’s unexpected resignation from his chief ministerial role.
Kejriwal’s resignation came after he spent over five months in Tihar Jail due to allegations in the excise policy scam case. His time in prison created a political storm, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between political parties. Upon his release, Kejriwal made a public statement, indicating that he would not resume his role as Chief Minister until he received a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi. He emphasized that his return to power would depend on the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February of the following year.
In light of his decision to step down, Kejriwal’s need for a new residence became a topic of discussion within the AAP. Several party leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and councillors, offered their homes to Kejriwal, recognizing his unique position as both a political leader and a public figure without an official residence. It was Ashok Mittal who formally extended an invitation for Kejriwal to stay at his house on Ferozeshah Road, an offer which the AAP leader accepted. In a video message, Mittal expressed his happiness at Kejriwal’s acceptance of his invitation, sharing that he felt honored to have him as a guest in his Delhi home.
Kejriwal’s former residence at 6 Flagstaff Road, where he had lived with his family, was the subject of controversy during his tenure as Chief Minister. The residence, often referred to as “Sheesh Mahal” by critics, particularly members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was accused of being lavishly rebuilt, with allegations of irregularities in its renovation. These accusations added fuel to the political rivalry between the AAP and the BJP.
As Kejriwal vacated the Chief Minister’s residence, Manish Sisodia, his former deputy, also made a move. Sisodia, who had been living in an AB-17 bungalow on Mathura Road, relocated to another bungalow, this time on Rajendra Prasad Road, which is the official residence of AAP MP Harbhajan Singh. Sisodia’s relocation followed his own legal troubles, stemming from his involvement in the same excise policy scam case that led to Kejriwal’s imprisonment. Despite these challenges, both Kejriwal and Sisodia continue to remain central figures in AAP’s leadership.
Atishi, the current Chief Minister of Delhi, is another key player in the ongoing developments within the party. She has yet to move into an official residence, despite being allotted Sisodia’s former house on Mathura Road. Currently, she continues to live in her constituency of Kalkaji. Atishi, who has been provided with ‘Z’ category security due to her growing profile in Delhi politics, may eventually move into the 6 Flagstaff Road residence, although party leaders have not yet confirmed her final address.
Kejriwal’s move to Ferozeshah Road represents a new chapter in his political journey. Despite the controversies and legal battles, his determination to stay connected with his party and constituency remains evident. Living in the heart of Delhi, near both the AAP headquarters and his assembly constituency, will allow Kejriwal to stay involved in the upcoming elections and political developments. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, the question of whether he will return to the Chief Minister’s office will be decided by the people of Delhi in the upcoming elections.