Facing criticism, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced his decision not to take up the two five-bedroom duplex flats he has been alloted.

He told the media that he has asked the government to look for smaller accommodation for him.

“Since Friday my friends, supporters have been calling me and sending messages saying I should not move into the five-bedroom flat. So, I have decided to forego them. I am asking the government to look for smaller accommodation for me,” he said at a party strategy meeting.

He said till then, he would function from his Ghaziabad residence. Kejriwal has been allotted two five-bedroom duplex flats on Bhagwan Das Road, one of which is to be used as his office.

Questioning the Aam Admi party credentials, his opponents including the BJP had attacked him for taking up the flats.

BJP MLAs had on Friday come down hard on Kejriwal in the Delhi Assembly on the issue, saying his decision to accept the two flats was in “total contradiction” of AAP’s claim that it will practice austerity.