The ruling party claims to stand for simplicity and probity, but its leaders are building palaces for themselves while refusing to provide basic support to the people, says AAP legislator Anil Jha
NEW DELHI — The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Delhi government, accusing it of prioritising luxury renovations for ministers over the pressing needs of the residents of the city.
As large parts of the national capital struggle with waterlogging, power cuts, and drinking water shortages in the ongoing monsoon, AAP alleged that the BJP is busy constructing “Maya Mahals” and “Rang Mahals” for its ministers at the public’s expense.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP headquarters, MLA Anil Jha revealed that a tender worth ₹1 crore has been floated for the renovation of the official bungalow allotted to BJP leader and minister Kapil Mishra at 9, Sham Nath Marg. Mishra is also accused of instigating the 2020 anti-Muslim violence in North East Delhi.
The bungalow revamp reportedly includes installation of remote-controlled fans, new air conditioners, luxury curtains, designer windows, and even air-conditioned toilets equipped with television screens and newspaper stands.
“This is not a home renovation—it’s a royal makeover,” Jha said. “When the people of Delhi are wading through flooded streets and struggling for basic services, BJP ministers are getting luxury bathrooms and AC toilets. This is not governance, it’s shameless indulgence.”
Jha further pointed out that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier approved a ₹60 lakh tender for the renovation of her own official residence—dubbed “Maya Mahal” by AAP. The tender was cancelled following public backlash, but Jha alleged that a more extravagant ₹5–7 crore plan is now in the works.
Jha accused the BJP of abandoning its electoral promises and indulging in blatant hypocrisy. “The BJP once claimed to stand for simplicity and probity. Today, the same leaders are building palaces for themselves while refusing to provide basic support to the people,” he said.
One of the key promises made by the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections was a monthly stipend of ₹2,500 for every adult woman in the city. Jha alleged that the government has shown no progress on this front.
“Where is the ₹2,500 for women that the BJP promised? They have money for chandeliers and luxury curtains, but none for Delhi’s women,” he said.
He also criticised the chief minister for refusing to work from government offices refurbished under the previous administration. “Instead of using existing infrastructure, they are turning those offices into hotels and building newer, more luxurious ones for themselves,” he said.
Public Money for Private Comfort
The AAP leader lambasted the BJP’s spending priorities, especially at a time when public infrastructure is crumbling. “In just five months, Delhi has seen that this government is not built on social or moral values. They promised integrity and development but are now indulging in royal comfort using public money,” Jha said.
He cited the recent floods in Delhi as evidence of the government’s failure in basic governance. “The BJP was not prepared. The city was waterlogged, the electricity supply was erratic, and people suffered. But none of that mattered to ministers busy planning designer interiors,” he said.
Jha also accused the BJP of using bulldozers against the poor while protecting the powerful. “They are targeting jhuggi dwellers based on caste, religion, and income. Instead of rehabilitation, they are demolishing homes. At the same time, their ministers move around in 14-car convoys and live in opulence,” he said.
Describing the BJP’s governance model as elitist and disconnected, Jha said, “This is a government for capitalists, not citizens. The BJP promised to uplift the poor but is now snatching pensions from 60,000 to 80,000 elderly and widowed women, calling them ‘fake’ beneficiaries.”
He condemned the government’s alleged attempts to cut pensions while expanding budgets for personal comfort. “These are the same people who once claimed they would run the government from any available room. Now they won’t sit unless the chair reclines and the fan has a remote,” he mocked.
Jha reiterated the AAP’s commitment to the people of Delhi. “We have always focused on education, electricity, water, health, and welfare. The BJP, on the other hand, is focused on wallpaper and bathroom TVs,” he said.
“The people of Delhi deserve accountability and dignity, not betrayal and extravagance. AAP will continue to expose this misuse of public funds and fight for the real needs of Delhi’s citizens,” Jha said.
As political heat rises over the BJP’s alleged extravagance, the people of Delhi are left watching a monsoon season of discontent, with flooded roads, broken promises, and luxury palaces rising amid public misery.
