The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday stepped up its attack on BJP MLA Anil Sharma over paying guest accommodations in Satya Niketan, questioning the legality and ownership of a property it linked to his family and demanding demolition if violations are established. The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of PG buildings in the south Delhi neighbourhood following the recent building collapse that killed seven people.
AAP leaders alleged that the property in question had been constructed with 100 per cent ground coverage and questioned whether its building plan and additional floors had received the necessary approvals. The party also sought an investigation into land records, alleging that older documents showed 307 square yards in the name of Sharma’s father while the present property was substantially larger. AAP demanded that the government establish how the additional land was acquired and make the relevant ownership and building documents public.
AAP demands action against property
AAP leader Anurag Dhanda said the government should clarify whether the building belonged to Sharma’s family and disclose its sanctioned building plan, permitted coverage and number of approved floors. He argued that if the structure violated building regulations, action against unauthorised PGs in Satya Niketan should include the property linked to the BJP legislator.
The party also alleged that several unauthorised PGs had flourished in the locality because of political and civic protection and demanded an investigation into the role of municipal officials. It called for details of PG ownership across Satya Niketan to be released publicly as authorities undertake inspections and action against unsafe buildings.
The latest allegations follow earlier protests and statements by AAP leaders, who have sought to link the broader issue of illegal PG operations to political influence. The party has demanded that the Delhi government apply demolition and sealing rules uniformly rather than targeting only selected properties.
Sharma rejects allegations
Sharma has rejected allegations of encroachment and illegality concerning his property. The RK Puram MLA has said he possesses registered documents, including the sale deed and land map, and maintained that the property has been with his family for generations.
He has also disputed AAP’s description of the building as a five-storey structure, saying it has a stilt parking level and no fourth floor. Sharma has warned of defamation proceedings over what he described as incorrect allegations and said he was prepared to make relevant documents public.
The political confrontation has intensified since the Satya Niketan collapse brought the legality, structural safety and regulation of hundreds of student accommodations in the area under scrutiny. AAP has demanded that the government disclose the results of inspections and identify properties found to be operating in violation of building and safety regulations.