On Friday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called for the provision of government accommodation for outgoing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, stating that he is entitled to it as the convenor of a national party.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced that the party would be writing to the relevant ministry regarding this matter. Speaking to the media in the national capital, Chadha emphasized that Kejriwal deserves government housing in central Delhi.
“Our national secretary, Pankaj Gupta, is drafting a letter today to the director of estates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to request that a government owned accommodation be provided to Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal Ji as soon as possible,” Chadha said.
Arvind Kejriwal has been living at his residence on Flag Staff Road since 2015.
“AAP is the fastest-growing new political party in the country. According to the law, our national president should be granted a government residence in the national capital. We urge the government to provide accommodation for Kejriwal. This is my personal request as both an MP and a party worker. The law includes provisions to facilitate the president of a national party in meeting with visitors,” Chadha explained.
He pointed out that there are six national political parties in Delhi, and leaders of the BJP, Congress, BSP, and CMP have all been provided government accommodations. “As the sixth national party in the country, AAP should also receive the same treatment as soon as possible,” Chadha insisted, adding that this is not merely a privilege but a necessity.
Guidelines for Accommodation
According to the guidelines for allotting accommodation from the central government’s general pool, residential housing can be assigned to the president of a recognized national party if they do not have a house in Delhi, whether privately owned or government-assigned.
A now-retired Delhi Public Works Department secretary, speaking anonymously, stated, “As the president of AAP, which is a recognized national party, Arvind Kejriwal is entitled to accommodation in central Delhi under the general pool of government houses. There are also arrangements for housing exchanges between the Delhi government and the central government to assist IAS officers, allowing them to retain their government houses when posted to different roles.”
“If the central government wishes, it can permit Kejriwal to continue staying at the Flag Staff Road house under the exchange facility. Since he has already announced his intention to give up that residence, it’s unlikely he will seek it. While rules exist to facilitate housing allotments, many factors depend on personal relationships,” he added.
The situation surrounding Kejriwal’s accommodation highlights the complex interplay of politics and protocol in Delhi. With government housing often serving as a reflection of power dynamics, the demand for Kejriwal’s accommodation is not just about logistics; it speaks to the broader recognition of AAP’s status as a national party.
The fact that other national party leaders have been provided housing underscores the importance of equal treatment in a democratic system. It raises questions about whether political favoritism is at play when it comes to government allocations. Kejriwal’s call for accommodation is not simply a personal request but a legitimate demand that affirms AAP’s position in the political landscape.
Moreover, the insistence on government housing is crucial for Kejriwal’s ability to fulfill his duties and engage with visitors effectively. It’s a matter of practicality as much as it is about respect and recognition. If the government aims to promote a fair and just political environment, it must ensure that all leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, have access to the resources they need to serve the public.
As this request moves forward, it will be essential for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to act swiftly and transparently. Any delays or complications could further fuel political tensions and undermine public trust. The situation demands a decisive response that reflects not only adherence to guidelines but also respect for the democratic principles that govern our nation.
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