Kejriwal Gets 95 Lodhi Estate Bungalow After Court’s Push
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted a government bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. The decision comes after the Delhi High Court’s intervention, which questioned the delay in allotting a suitable government residence and called for transparency in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ (MoHUA) process.
According to officials, Kejriwal has been assigned a Type VII bungalow, a category typically reserved for senior ministers, MPs, and top government officials. The Directorate of Estates, under MoHUA, is responsible for the allotment and maintenance of such government properties.
The move follows weeks of speculation and political back-and-forth between AAP and the central government. AAP had earlier requested that Kejriwal be allotted House No. 35, Lodhi Estate, a residence previously used by BSP supremo Mayawati, but that bungalow had already been assigned in July to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.
Court Questions Delay and Urges Fairness
The Delhi High Court had earlier criticised the delay in Kejriwal’s allotment, noting that the process lacked clarity. The bench observed that housing allocations must be handled transparently, especially for former chief ministers who are entitled to official residences under government policy.
The court directed MoHUA to expedite the process, highlighting that administrative delays should not appear politically motivated. “Government accommodation cannot be subject to partisan considerations,” the court remarked, urging equal treatment for all eligible individuals.
Following the court’s remarks, MoHUA reportedly reviewed available properties and finalised 95, Lodhi Estate as the most appropriate option. The bungalow, located in one of Delhi’s most prestigious government residential zones, is now being prepared for occupancy.
AAP Welcomes Allotment, Calls It “Justice After Delay”
Reacting to the development, AAP leaders welcomed the High Court’s intervention and the final allotment. “This is not a privilege but a right. The delay was unnecessary and politically motivated,” an AAP spokesperson said, adding that Kejriwal had been without a designated residence since leaving office.
Party sources said that the bungalow will serve as Kejriwal’s official accommodation as the national convenor of AAP and a key opposition figure in national politics. The allotment also puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding his residential status after the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation and his subsequent legal proceedings.
Political observers noted that the issue had taken on symbolic importance, representing tensions between AAP and the central government over administrative decisions.
Ministry Maintains Allotment Was “Procedural”
Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs dismissed suggestions of bias, stating that the process followed established norms. “Allotments are done based on availability and entitlement. There was no deliberate delay,” a ministry official clarified.
The Type VII bungalow allotted to Kejriwal is among the higher-end government accommodations in the Lodhi Estate area, known for its proximity to Lutyens’ Delhi’s power corridors. The Directorate of Estates manages these houses for current and former ministers, MPs, judges, and senior bureaucrats.
Experts say such allotments often draw public attention due to the symbolic power associated with Lutyens’ bungalows. “These houses represent not just residence but status. Hence, every allotment is politically sensitive,” said a Delhi-based political analyst.
What Lies Ahead for Kejriwal
The allotment marks a significant administrative closure for Arvind Kejriwal, who has faced multiple legal and political challenges this year. As AAP looks to expand its presence nationally, having a stable base in Delhi is both logistically and politically important.
Kejriwal is expected to shift to the 95, Lodhi Estate bungalow after necessary renovations and security clearances are completed. Sources indicate that the Directorate of Estates has already initiated refurbishment work to make the premises ready for occupancy.
With this allotment, the prolonged debate over Kejriwal’s official residence appears resolved, though political commentary around the timing and process is likely to continue.