‘Does Anyone Even Use Bathtubs Anymore?’ Chetan Bhagat’s Dig At Kejriwal’s Austere Optics
The author questioned the former Delhi CM's use of the modest Wagon-R to show his humble beginnings on one hand and then the decision to install a mini bar, jacuzzi and bath tub at 'Sheesh Mahal'
Author and political commentator Chetan Bhagat on Saturday took a dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal’s “flip-flop" optics, questioning his decision to flaunt his austerity with the humble Wagon-R and then go on to build a mini bar, jacuzzi, and bathtub in his ‘Sheesh Mahal’ — the political moniker used by the BJP for the bungalow occupied earlier by the then Delhi chief minister.
Discussing the Delhi election results on CNN-News18, Bhagat said: “Does anyone even use bathtubs anymore", questioning the futility of the narrative and if it had any effect on voters.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP were engaged in a neck-and-neck fight in the national capital, but latest trends show that the saffron party has raced ahead.
Bhagat’s dig comes amid criticism against Kejriwal and AAP of having forgotten the anti-corruption plank they used to enter politics. In fact, Kejriwal’s mentor Anna Hazare too has spoken out against him for losing the plot after gaining power in the Capital.
“I have always said that a candidate’s conduct and thoughts should be pure, life should be without blame, and sacrifice should be there. These qualities let voters have faith in him. I told this to Arvind Kejriwal but he did not pay heed, and finally, he focused on liquor. Why did this issue arise? He was overwhelmed by money and power," the social activist said.
In the run-up to polls, the BJP sharpened its attack on Kejriwal, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing AAP as “AAP-da" (disaster) for Delhi and giving a call to replace it with BJP in power.
What added to AAP’s worries was the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report into the expenditure on the residence. Th report accessed by CNN-News18 reveals that Rs 33.66 crore was spent on the project, which was 342 per cent more than the estimated cost of the project.
The BJP has alleged that the CAG Report that has the audit of PWD expenditure only till March 31, 2022, is just the tip of the iceberg. “Far more was spent by Kejriwal on his Sheeshmahal, till at least the middle of 2023. Even in the CAG Report, it’s clearly mentioned that it was not provided with full information. The inventory made recently by PWD after Kejriwal vacated Sheeshmahal, in itself has materials and luxury goods worth crores. Besides, the gold plated toilet seats and wash basins have been removed by Kejriwal before he vacated the house. The total cost is as much as Rs 75-80 crores," BJP leader Amit Malviya said.
The report says Rs 46 lakh extra was spent on installing marble stone on the walls of the CM’s residence while Rs 47 lakh extra was spent on smart LED lights, and a host of luxury items like modular kitchens, large LED screen televisions, refrigerators, sauna, and jacuzzi were installed.
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