New Delhi, A fresh political storm has hit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of building an even grander “Sheesh Mahal” in Punjab. In a sharp post on X, Maliwal claimed that after losing power in Delhi, Kejriwal has got a luxurious 7-star bungalow spread over two acres in Chandigarh’s Sector 2, allotted from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s quota.
This is not just any house, she said. It’s a “more splendid Sheesh Mahal” than the one in Delhi that sparked huge row last year. Maliwal also alleged misuse of Punjab government chopper and private jet for Kejriwal’s party trips. “The whole Punjab government is busy serving one man,” she wrote, sharing an aerial photo of the property.
Swati Maliwal posted on X: “After the Sheesh Mahal in Delhi became vacant, Arvind Kejriwal ji has had an even more splendid Sheesh Mahal built in Punjab than the one in Delhi. In Chandigarh’s Sector 2, a luxurious 7-star government mansion of 2 acres under the CM quota has been allotted to Arvind Kejriwal ji.”
The post has gone viral, with over 50,000 views in hours. It comes amid AAP’s tough time after Delhi election loss in February 2025, where BJP swept to power. BJP leaders are jumping in, calling it proof of AAP’s “VIP culture”.
AAP has not responded yet. But party sources say it’s a “camp office”, not a personal home. This silence adds fuel to the fire.
What is the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Row All About?
The term “Sheesh Mahal” – meaning glass palace – became a BJP weapon against Kejriwal in 2024. It started with his official Delhi home at 6 Flag Staff Road. Opposition said AAP spent ₹45 crore on fancy upgrades like Italian marble, saunas, and designer lights – all from public money.
A Central Public Works Department (CPWD) report backed some claims of illegal changes. Kejriwal denied, calling it a simple renovation. But it hurt AAP’s “aam aadmi” image during Delhi polls. BJP used it in ads, saying “From muffler man to Sheesh Mahal king”.
Now, Maliwal revives it for Punjab. She says the Chandigarh spot is bigger and better – 2 acres, with helipad, pools, and 7-star perks. “Illegal and illegitimate, since he holds no office there,” she added.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said: “What is this Sheesh Mahal 2.0? Are you now looting Punjab like Delhi? Answer, Kejriwal!”
Key Allegations: Bungalow, Jets, and State Machinery
Maliwal didn’t stop at the house. She detailed a recent trip: “Yesterday, he boarded a government helicopter right from in front of this house for Ambala, and then from Ambala, the Punjab government’s private jet took him to Gujarat for party work.”
This points to misuse of official transport for AAP rallies. Punjab CM Mann’s government is AAP-ruled since 2022, and Kejriwal often visits for meetings.
Table: Maliwal’s Main Charges
| Allegation | Details | Why Controversial? |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Bungalow | 2-acre, 7-star in Sector 2, Chandigarh; CM quota allotment | Kejriwal not Punjab MLA or minister; seen as personal perk |
| Govt Helicopter Use | Picked up from bungalow doorstep to Ambala | State resources for private travel |
| Private Jet to Gujarat | Punjab govt jet for AAP party work | Diverts funds from public needs like farms or schools |
| ‘Serving One Man’ | Whole Punjab govt focused on Kejriwal | Ignores state issues like stubble burning, unemployment |
BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla called Kejriwal “Punjab’s Super CM”. He said: “No money for Punjab women promises, but 100-car convoy and 7-star mansion for him. Sheesh Mahal mindset alive!”
On X, reactions are mixed. Supporters say: “Finally, truth from inside AAP!” Critics call it “sour grapes after suspension”. Hashtags like #SheeshMahal2 and #KejriwalLuxury trend with 10,000+ posts.
Why is Swati Maliwal Speaking Out Now? The AAP Rift
Swati Maliwal was once AAP’s star. As Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief from 2015-2023, she fought for women’s safety – from Nirbhaya protests to acid attack survivor aid. She won Rajya Sabha seat in 2024 as AAP’s face.
But things cracked in May 2024. Maliwal alleged assault by Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal’s close aide, at his Delhi home. She filed FIR for slapping and misbehavior. “I went to meet Kejriwal, but Bibhav attacked me,” she said in police statement.
AAP defended Kumar, saying Maliwal “forced entry”. Party workers trolled her online. Maliwal felt betrayed: “After all my work for AAP, they sided with the accused.” She hinted Kejriwal knew but stayed quiet.
This led to her “rebel” phase. In January 2025, she protested Delhi’s garbage crisis – collected trash and dumped it at Kejriwal’s old home. “While they build palaces, streets rot,” she shouted.
Post-Delhi defeat, Maliwal’s attacks sharpened. She joined BJP whispers but stays AAP MP. “I’m for principles, not power,” she says. Her Punjab post is latest in this fight.
Maliwal in a past interview: “AAP started for honest politics. Now it’s about protecting wrongdoers. I can’t stay silent.”
BJP Jumps In: ‘Super CM’ and Loot of Punjab
BJP smells blood. Delhi unit posted the same aerial pic: “Common man pretender Kejriwal builds another grand Sheesh Mahal. Punjab Super CM gets 7-star from Mann’s quota.”
They link it to AAP’s Punjab failures: Unmet promises like ₹1,000 monthly to women, poor farm aid. “Loot Delhi, now Punjab,” says BJP.
In Delhi elections, Sheesh Mahal helped BJP win 48/70 seats. Kejriwal lost his New Delhi seat to Parvesh Verma. Now, ahead of possible AAP resets, this hurts.
Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted: “People removed him from Delhi palace, but mindset stays. No convoy for poor, but 100 cars for him.”
AAP’s Side: Camp Office or Palace?
AAP calls it baseless. A party handle replied: “BJP lost cool after Yamuna fake story exposed. Show allotment letter if true.” They say Sector 2 house is Kejriwal’s “camp office” for Punjab visits – standard for party heads.
No official denial on jet use. But AAP says all travel is official. Kejriwal, out on bail in old cases, focuses on party rebuild. Sources say he’s in Delhi, avoiding comment.
On X, AAP fans defend: “Maliwal suspended for lies. BJP puppet now.” Rift deepens AAP’s image woes.
Bigger Picture: AAP’s Post-Delhi Struggles
AAP’s 2025 Delhi loss was shock. From 63 seats in 2020 to just 22. Blame: Liquor policy scam, Sheesh Mahal, Yamuna dirt. Kejriwal’s arrest in March 2024 hurt campaign.
Now, Punjab AAP faces heat too. Farmers unhappy over paddy procurement delays. Internal fights grow. Maliwal’s voice adds to chorus.
Experts say this exposes AAP’s “one-man show”. “Kejriwal centralizes power, but defeats breed rebels,” says political analyst Yogendra Yadav.
Yadav quoted in media: “Such rows show AAP needs democracy inside.”
As polls near in other states, AAP must reply fast.
What’s Next? Probe or More Mud?
No FIR yet, but BJP demands CBI probe. “Misuse of state funds – like Delhi,” says Sachdeva. Maliwal tags agencies in posts.
Kejriwal may address in rally. For now, social media war rages.
This tale – from assault to palaces – shows politics’ dirty side. Common man or king? Voters watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly did Swati Maliwal say about Arvind Kejriwal’s Punjab stay?
In her October 31, 2025 X post, Maliwal claimed Kejriwal got a 2-acre, 7-star luxury government bungalow in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 from Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s quota. She called it “Sheesh Mahal 2.0” – bigger than Delhi’s. She added he used a state helicopter from the house to Ambala, then a Punjab private jet to Gujarat for AAP work. “Whole government serves one man,” she said, sharing an aerial photo. This revives 2024 Delhi row over ₹45 crore renovation. Maliwal, once AAP loyalist, now criticizes often after her 2024 fallout.
2. Why is the bungalow called ‘Sheesh Mahal 2.0’?
‘Sheesh Mahal’ mocks Kejriwal’s Delhi official home at 6 Flag Staff Road. BJP said AAP spent public money on lavish fixes like marble floors and spas – against party’s simple image. CPWD report in 2024 confirmed some illegal work. Maliwal and BJP use ‘2.0’ for Punjab house, saying it’s grander with helipad and pools. AAP calls it a camp office for Kejriwal’s visits, not personal. But no proof shared yet, fueling debate on VIP perks.
3. What is Swati Maliwal’s history with AAP and why attack now?
Maliwal joined AAP in 2014, became DCW chief in 2015 – fought for women via helplines and laws. Won Rajya Sabha in 2024. Turn came May 2024: Alleged Bibhav Kumar (Kejriwal aide) assaulted her at CM house. FIR filed, but AAP backed Kumar, trolled her. She felt betrayed: “Sided with accused over me.” Suspended from party. Since, she protests AAP failures – like January 2025 garbage dump at Kejriwal home over Delhi filth. Now, post-Delhi loss, her barbs hit harder, seen as insider expose.
4. How is BJP using this against AAP?
BJP calls Kejriwal “Punjab Super CM” – looting state like Delhi. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva demands answers: “Sheesh Mahal 2.0? Probing Punjab now?” Shehzad Poonawalla: “No aid for Punjab women, but jets for him.” They link to AAP’s poll losses – Delhi 2025 sweep. Posts aerial pics, hashtags #SheeshMahal2 trend. Goal: Hurt AAP in Goa, Gujarat polls. AAP hits back: “BJP distracted from failures like Yamuna pollution.”
5. Has AAP or Kejriwal responded to these claims?
No direct word from Kejriwal yet – he’s in Delhi, focusing party rebuild after jail time. AAP tweeted: “Baseless, show allotment paper.” They say Sector 2 is camp office for official Punjab work, travel is standard. On jets: All AAP chief trips official. But silence on details irks critics. Party sources: “Maliwal’s old grudge, BJP tool.” Expect rally reply soon. No probe started, but BJP pushes CBI.
6. What does this mean for AAP in Punjab and nationally?
Hurts AAP’s “anti-corruption” tag. Punjab faces farm unrest, unmet promises – this adds “elite” shade. Nationally, post-Delhi defeat (22 seats), Kejriwal centralizes more, but rebels like Maliwal weaken unity. Could split votes in alliances. Voters ask: Common man party or power club? AAP must clear air fast, or BJP gains in 2026 state polls.
7. Is there proof for the bungalow and jet use?
Maliwal shared aerial photo – matches Sector 2 govt complex. BJP posted similar. No allotment letter public. On travel: No flight logs out, but Kejriwal was in Gujarat October 30 for AAP event. Punjab has state choppers, jets for VIPs. CPWD-like probe needed for facts. For now, claims vs denials – social media jury out.
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