The Alleged Lavish Spending on CM House: A Setback for AAP?
Public memory, while not infinite, has been short-lived in recent times. It would be unreasonable to think that a political leader who promised to maintain a simple lifestyle would be quickly forgotten, especially when such promises were made in the context of significant public protests against corruption.
Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged from the 'I'm Against Corruption' (IAC) movement in 2012, which gained momentum from the agitation led by Anna Hazare. This movement was initially portrayed as apolitical, focusing on exposing corruption in the UPA-II government, with notable scandals like the Commonwealth Games Scam, 2G Scam, and Coal Scam.
However, recent developments reveal that the IAC was more political in its nature, and from the outset, it was orchestrated by and controlled by individuals affiliated with the RSS. Kejriwal, when forming his party, promised to limit himself and his ministers to a simple lifestyle, eschewing large bungalows and luxury cars in favour of modest living, much like their present conditions.
These promises resonated with many, but the first breach was evident when one of his ministers, elected from the Karol Bagh constituency, opted for a more luxurious car. Ownership over time revealed more departures from his initial promises, including the bitter parting of Kumar Vishwas, who left the party over financial discrepancies regarding the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats.
The most recent controversy surrounds the reported Rs 45 crore ($57.6 million) cost of furnishing and renovating a new CM house in Delhi. This expenditure has sparked debate and criticism, not only from those who hold Kejriwal to his original promises but also from the general public and media.
However, it's important to put this into perspective. The house in question is not Arvind Kejriwal's personal residence but rather the official CM's residence for Delhi. Renovating such a significant public property to ensure modern and functional living conditions for the Chief Minister is not entirely unprecedented.
The key will be whether this renovation includes any personal trappings or extravagant fixtures that would deviate from the common man's life Kejriwal promised to lead. As long as the lavish fittings are not retained personally and are removed at the time of Kejriwal's retirement or departure, the expenditure should not be a major issue to discuss on a national level.
In conclusion, while the reported spending on the CM house may appear to be a setback for the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal, it is crucial to consider the context and practicalities of such large-scale public infrastructure projects. Public trust and support will ultimately depend on how these promises and actions are managed and executed.