On Wednesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that belongings of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi were forcibly removed from bungalow number 6 on Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines. While AAP referred to this property as the Chief Minister’s official residence, sources from the Lieutenant Governor’s office countered, stating that the bungalow was not designated for Atishi, and could be allotted to anyone.
According to sources, Atishi had occupied the property without authorization. "Atishi trespassed at 6, Flagstaff Road. The bungalow was never officially assigned to her, despite her requests to the Public Works Department (PWD)," sources from the Lieutenant Governor’s office told India Today TV. They further explained that in cases of trespassing, the rightful owner can take action. The residence, previously occupied by former Speaker Chaudhary Prem Singh, is under the jurisdiction of the PWD, which can allocate it as needed.
Earlier, AAP accused Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena of orchestrating the eviction of Chief Minister Atishi from her supposed official residence. A spokesperson from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) called the removal of her belongings a politically motivated move by the BJP, alleging that it was an attempt to take control of the Chief Minister’s residence.
However, sources from the Lieutenant Governor's office maintained that the bungalow belongs to the PWD. Once vacated, the property will be inventoried and reassigned through the proper procedures. They also noted that the previous occupant, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had failed to return the bungalow to the PWD upon leaving, prompting questions about the situation.
Although Atishi's official residence is located at 17 AB Mathura Road, she had briefly moved her belongings into the Flagstaff Road bungalow without any formal allotment. The PWD will reassign the property after completing its necessary procedures.