cm-mann-dares-bjp-to-prove-sheesh-mahal-claims

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday accused the BJP of misleading people with false propaganda. He challenged the party’s leaders to present valid proof to back their claims about the so-called “Sheesh Mahal.”

 

The controversy began after the BJP on Friday accused Mann and the AAP leadership of using a lavish government residence in Chandigarh as a “Sheesh Mahal” — implying it was an extravagant, specially renovated bungalow meant for AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

 

In a video message, Mann said BJP leaders were frustrated by the growing popularity of the Aam Aadmi Party across the country, especially in Gujarat. That, he said, was why they were resorting to such cheap tactics.

 

He said with no real issues to raise against the Punjab Government, BJP leaders were trying to mislead Punjabis by spreading hatred.

 

Mann said the saffron party had no plan or vision for the state and was now relying on morphed videos and baseless claims to attack the government.

 

He stated that since taking office, house number 45 in Chandigarh has been the official residence of the Punjab Chief Minister, while house number 50 serves as his guest house and camp office.

 

He said several key meetings are held at the camp office, and visiting dignitaries often stay there. The house, he added, has not been allotted to anyone and is only used as a guest house and rest house for visitors.

 

“These are not Sheesh Mahals,” Mann said, “but simple government residences used by common leaders elected by the people of Punjab.”

 

He said those who actually own lavish palaces, now part of the BJP, never lived in such houses rather their staff and friends did.

 

Mann accused BJP leaders like Captain Amarinder Singh and long-time ally Sukhbir Singh Badal of building huge palaces with illegally acquired money, but said the BJP leadership remained silent on them.

 

Coming down heavily on the party, Mann said BJP’s own Minister of State, Ravneet Singh Bittu, was illegally occupying a house in Chandigarh that was once allotted to his uncle, Tej Parkash Singh.

 

He said that despite repeated reminders, the Punjab Governor had not taken any action to get this “Sheesh Mahal” vacated. Mann said before making accusations, the BJP should look within and see where it actually stands.