Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vacated his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road on Friday to relocate to a new address in the prestigious Lutyens’ Zone. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener was seen departing from his old home along with his family as they made the move to their temporary accommodation.
AAP Leader Moves to Central Delhi Amidst Family
Kejriwal, his wife, and son left the Flagstaff Road residence in one vehicle, while his parents and daughter followed in another. Their new destination is the official residence of party member Ashok Mittal, located at 5 Ferozeshah Road near Mandi House in central Delhi.
Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, has been allotted the bungalow as part of his parliamentary duties, and the Kejriwal family will reside there for the time being.
Kejriwal Resigned as Chief Minister in August
Kejriwal resigned from his post as Chief Minister last month, signaling his intention to seek the mandate of the people in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. He made it clear that he would not return to office until he secured what he called a “certificate of honesty” from the electorate.
The AAP leader’s resignation came amid allegations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) concerning corruption in the now-scrapped excise policy and the expensive reconstruction of the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Despite stepping down, Kejriwal has remained at the forefront of the AAP’s campaign, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Relocation During the Auspicious Navratri Period
True to his earlier statements, Kejriwal vacated the Chief Minister’s residence during the Navratri period, which began on Thursday. He had publicly announced his intention to shift homes during the auspicious Hindu festival, adding a spiritual note to his departure from the official residence.
Legal Challenges and Political Turmoil
The former Delhi Chief Minister’s move comes after a series of legal challenges. Kejriwal was released on bail on September 13, following a five-month stint in Tihar Jail in connection with the controversial excise policy case. The Supreme Court granted him bail, allowing him to return to active political life.
The BJP has consistently targeted Kejriwal over alleged irregularities in the excise policy during his tenure, accusing him of corruption. Furthermore, the reconstruction of the Chief Minister’s official bungalow also sparked controversy, with the opposition questioning the exorbitant expenses incurred in the process.
Kejriwal’s Road to Redemption
As Kejriwal prepares for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, he has been vocal about clearing his name and securing the trust of Delhi’s voters. His temporary move to the Lutyens’ Zone residence is symbolic of the larger political journey he is undertaking—seeking a fresh mandate from the people while fending off allegations from his opponents.
The elections, scheduled for February 2024, are expected to be a high-stakes contest for Kejriwal and his party, as they face increasing scrutiny from rival parties, especially the BJP. However, Kejriwal remains determined to make his case to the people of Delhi, insisting that only they can grant him the “certificate of honesty” he seeks.
