Arvind Kejriwal wants ACs removed from new house, officials in fix

New Delhi: True to his ‘aam aadmi’ credentials, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked Public Works Department to remove all air conditioners from the 6 Flagstaff Road residence in north Delhi's Civil Lines area where he will be shifting soon.

The demand, however, has left senior PWD officials in a tight spot as removing ACs from the four-bedroom house will leave large openings in the walls which would then have to be filled either by making windows or through some other makeshift arrangement.

Kejriwal's new house has two lawns, a drawing and dining area and two servant quarters. It is the official residence of the Delhi assembly Speaker and was earlier occupied by former Speaker Prem Singh of Congress.

"He has asked us to remove all the air conditioners from the house which is a difficult task for us as it would mean almost redesigning the house. We will have to make windows or some alternate arrangements to hide the empty spaces created in the walls.

"We have now requested him to reconsider this demand, but if he remains adamant, we will have to do the needful," said a senior government official.

Apart from that, the Chief Minister had asked us not to spend much time and money on the renovation of the house, not even a new coat of whitewash, saying he doesn't want more changes.

"We, however, have got the house repainted and cleaned as it was lying unused for more than a year," the official said.

Renovation work has almost reached the final stage and in next one or two days, the house will be completely ready for living.

"If CM wants to shift in next two or three days, the house is almost ready," the official said.

Sources said that Kejriwal does not even switch on the ACs installed in his office at Delhi Secretariat. Kejriwal, an MLA from the New Delhi constituency, had stayed in Tilak Lane when he first became Chief Minister.