New Delhi, March 1: The process of allocating official accommodations for the Chief Minister and ministers of the newly elected BJP government in Delhi has gained momentum, according to sources.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has identified several government bungalows for the purpose, primarily in Civil Lines near Raj Niwas. Additionally, properties in Daryaganj and near the BJP headquarters on DDU Marg are also under consideration. Among the shortlisted residences are bungalow number 2 in Raj Niwas Lane and bungalow number 115 on Ansari Road in Daryaganj.
A senior official revealed that the Chief Minister’s official residence could be one of these Civil Lines bungalows or another property in Lutyens’ Delhi, subject to an exchange from the central government’s housing pool. The final selection will take into account the proximity to key locations such as the Delhi Secretariat, the Assembly, and Raj Niwas.
BJP Rejects "Sheesh Mahal" Residence
The BJP has firmly stated that the Chief Minister will not reside at the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines, which became controversial due to allegations of irregularities and extravagant renovations. The property, referred to as "Sheesh Mahal," was occupied by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from 2015 until September 2024, when he stepped down.Ministers to Receive New Accommodations
Apart from the Chief Minister’s residence, the PWD is also arranging housing for six other members of the Council of Ministers, as well as the Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Under government regulations, members of the previous administration must vacate their official accommodations within 15 days of leaving office.The ministers of the previous AAP government, including former CM Atishi, were housed in Civil Lines and other prominent locations. Atishi, who succeeded Kejriwal, lived in a bungalow on Mathura Road.
BJP’s Return to Power After 26 Years
The BJP secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections held on February 5, winning 48 out of 70 seats and ending AAP’s decade-long rule. The new Chief Minister and her Cabinet were sworn in during a grand ceremony at Ramleela Maidan last month, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.With the transition in governance now underway, the process of allocating official residences is expected to be completed soon.