Fri Oct 11 13:47:26 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Power Shift: Kejriwal and Sisodia Move into Rajya Sabha Members’ Bungalows

**New Delhi:** In a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia have moved into new homes in Lutyens’ Delhi, both allocated to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members. This comes weeks after their release from prison.

Kejriwal, who resigned as Delhi CM on September 17th, vacated his controversial 6, Flag Staff Road Bungalow and is now residing at 5, Firoz Shah Road, a central government property allotted to AAP MP Ashok Mittal. Sisodia, released on August 9th, moved from AB-17 Mathura Road to 32, Rajendra Prasad Road near India Gate, a bungalow allotted to another AAP Rajya Sabha MP, Harbhajan Singh.

The move has sparked debate, with the AAP emphasizing the lack of their own housing despite years of service. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the irony of Kejriwal, a former IRS officer, not owning a house in the city he governed for a decade.

However, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor dismissed the move as mere publicity, stating that AAP leaders are required to vacate their government-allotted residences as they no longer hold ministerial positions.

The Flag Staff Road Bungalow has been a subject of controversy following the BJP’s allegations of excessive renovation costs. The PWD is currently investigating the matter and a decision on its future allotment is pending.

Constitutional expert SK Sharma clarified that MPs can allow guests to stay in their allotted bungalows, but cannot transfer the allotment to the guest’s name. The liability of the bungalow, including rent, remains with the original allottee.

Ashok Mittal, the AAP MP who hosted Kejriwal, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to have the former CM as a guest, seeing it as a chance to learn from him.

This move marks a new chapter for both Kejriwal and Sisodia, who are now private citizens after relinquishing their political positions in Delhi. While their new accommodations highlight the complexities of housing for high-profile individuals in Delhi, the episode has also sparked discussions on the political ramifications of such transitions.

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