Manish Sisodia, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for the Jangpura assembly seat, responded to BJP’s “Sheesh Mahal” allegation on Friday, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constructing a ₹2700 crore “Raj Mahal.”
Sisodia, who was released from jail last year after months of imprisonment in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, defended his position by highlighting that every chief minister has a residence in their state. He added that while the BJP critiques such expenditures, it is important to note that the Prime Minister is reportedly building a luxurious residence at a massive cost.”
Every CM has their residence in their state. The PM is building a ₹2700 crore ‘Raj Mahal,’ let him speak about that, but this is not something that needs justification,” Sisodia said. He also took aim at the BJP for shifting the focus of Delhi’s elections away from development issues.”
The BJP claims they won’t discuss schools or hospitals in the election. Instead, they focus on allegations like Kejriwal building a ‘toilet with gold.’ We have no such toilet, but the PM’s ‘Raj Mahal’ is worth ₹2700 crore, with diamond-studded chandeliers worth ₹200 crore,” he added.
Sisodia’s remarks come amid the BJP’s accusations that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal misused public funds to install lavish amenities at his official residence, a property he vacated after stepping down from the post.
Sisodia on Freebies
When asked about the controversy surrounding “freebies,” Sisodia emphasized that the common people should receive facilities funded by the taxes they pay. He also highlighted that other political parties are gradually adopting Kejriwal’s approach to public welfare, which they once ridiculed.”
It’s the people’s money, and rather than spending it on the close friends of those in power, it should be used to provide facilities to the public. It’s good that other parties are now embracing Kejriwal’s approach—an approach they once mocked. They realize now that they cannot undermine politics that benefits the people,” said Sisodia.
He continued, “The key issue is trust. While others may talk about distributing ‘revdi’ (freebies), people trust Kejriwal to deliver on his promises.”
Sisodia’s comments coincide with remarks made by Arvind Kejriwal earlier today, where he took a jibe at Prime Minister Modi’s position on the issue of freebies. Kejriwal suggested that the PM should admit that his approach was in line with Kejriwal’s earlier stance on the matter.
The Delhi Assembly election is set for February 5, and all eyes are on how these issues will play out in the ongoing political battle.
