Bungalow No. 50 in Chandigarh's Sector 2 has become the centre of a political controversy after the BJP accused Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal of turning the Punjab government property into a luxurious personal base. The two-acre residence, located near the Punjab Chief Minister's home, has been designated as the CM's camp office-cum-guest house under the Bhagwant Singh Mann government. Kejriwal stayed there briefly in October after renovations, though the party denies claims of extravagance. Over decades, the bungalow has housed various political figures and senior officials, making it more than just an address in Punjab politics. Chief Minister Mann defended the arrangement, stating Kejriwal used it purely as a guest. The Opposition criticised the allotment to a non-resident leader and pointed to previous controversies involving the property. Following the recent uproar, Kejriwal avoided staying at the bungalow during his latest Punjab visit for the Tarn Taran bypoll campaign.
Historical Significance and Past Residents
Bungalow No. 50 has a long political history in Punjab. During the 1980s militancy period, it served as residence and office for prominent police chiefs K P S Gill and Julio Ribeiro. Between 1999 and 2002, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal allowed former Haryana CM O P Chautala to live there for two years. Under the Akali Dal government, political leader Adesh Partap Singh Kairon used it as a guesthouse for constituency visitors, leaving it in poor condition. In 2017, Advocate General Atul Nanda faced criticism for spending Rs 1 crore on lavish renovations, including Egyptian marble and sandstone tiles. Deputy CM Sukhjinder Randhawa occupied it in 2021 before AAP's electoral victory. The bungalow's strategic location near Punjab's power centres has made it valuable for successive governments.
Current Controversy and AAP's Usage
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha previously occupied Bungalow No. 50 as AAP's Punjab in-charge, setting up an office there before vacating in September. After whitewashing and cleaning, Kejriwal stayed briefly on October 22 following Diwali, holding an important meeting with CM Mann. Officials sought Chandigarh accommodation because Kejriwal's earlier stays at Vikas Bhawan guesthouse in Mohali inconvenienced hospital visitors. The facility was virtually closed for public use after being identified for Kejriwal in June 2025. Mann justified the arrangement as guest usage of his camp office, questioning similar practices under previous Congress CM Amarinder Singh. However, following BJP accusations of creating another luxury residence, Kejriwal avoided the bungalow during his recent campaign visit to Punjab.
Source: Link