In the midst of an ongoing dispute between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD), alongside the Lieutenant Governor’s office, over the official residence for Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, the PWD has now formally offered her a bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road. The department issued a letter on October 11, requesting Atishi to submit necessary documents within eight days to finalize the allotment.
According to the letter, “The Director of Allotment, PWD, GNCTD, is pleased to offer the under-mentioned PWD General Pool Bungalow to Atishi, Chief Minister, GNCTD, as per the provisions of Delhi Administration Allotment of Govt. Residences (General Pool) Rules, 1977. The Allottee is requested to submit acceptance along with three copies of family photographs, attested, to this office within 8 days.” The acceptance form is available on the Sarkari Awas website.
The PWD further stated that once Atishi submits her acceptance and completes the required formalities, she will be provided with an authority slip granting her possession of the bungalow. However, if she does not take possession within the specified time frame, the allotment “will be treated as cancelled.”
The department also outlined several conditions for the allotment, including the requirement for Atishi to vacate any other government residence she may be occupying. It also emphasized that any unauthorized construction on the premises would lead to cancellation of the allotment and could result in penalties. Additionally, since the property is under investigation by the CBI and other agencies for various violations, the allottee is expected to cooperate fully with any investigations.
This development comes amidst heightened political tensions. AAP has accused the BJP-led central government and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor of forcibly removing Atishi’s belongings from the bungalow before the official allotment was confirmed. In response, the LG’s office denied these claims, stating that Atishi had moved her belongings into the bungalow prematurely and later removed them herself.
As the situation unfolds, the showdown over Atishi’s official residence has highlighted the ongoing friction between AAP and the central authorities, with both sides trading accusations in the lead-up to key decisions on government accommodations.