The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the renovation of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, located at 6 Flagstaff Road. This action follows a factual report from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and complaints from political figures regarding potential violations of building norms and misuse of public funds.
Background of the Renovation
Arvind Kejriwal occupied the 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow during his tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister from 2015 until his resignation in October 2024. The property, colloquially termed ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by critics, underwent extensive renovations that have come under scrutiny for their scale and associated costs.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy gained momentum when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta alleged unauthorized construction and the merging of adjacent government properties into the renovated bungalow. In his complaint, Gupta claimed that the renovations expanded the property to over 50,000 square meters, far exceeding its original size. He emphasized that such modifications not only violated building norms but also involved the illegal annexation of neighboring government assets.
Specific properties mentioned in the complaint include eight Type-V flats at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road and two government bungalows at 8-A and 8-B Flagstaff Road. Gupta urged Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to revoke the merger of these properties and restore them to their original status.
Financial Implications and Political Repercussions
Reports suggest that the renovation costs amounted to over Rs.33 crore, with expenditures including Rs.1 crore on curtains and Rs.70 lakh on doors. These figures have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that such lavish spending is incongruent with the principles of public service and fiscal responsibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent rally, criticized Kejriwal for prioritizing personal luxury over public welfare. He contrasted the expenditure on the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ with the government’s efforts to provide housing for the underprivileged, highlighting a perceived disconnect between leadership actions and public needs.
AAP’s Response
In response to the allegations, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has defended the renovations, stating that the bungalow, constructed in 1942, was in a dilapidated condition, with parts of the roof caving in, necessitating the refurbishment. AAP leaders have dismissed the accusations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish the party’s image ahead of upcoming elections.
Atishi, Kejriwal’s successor, emphasized that the party remains focused on serving the people of Delhi, even if it means operating without the comforts of a renovated office space. She reiterated that the AAP’s commitment to public service remains unwavering, regardless of the ongoing controversy.
Ongoing Investigations
The CVC’s decision to probe the matter, initiated on February 13, 2025, involves a comprehensive examination of the CPWD’s report and the allegations presented by Gupta. The investigation aims to determine whether there were violations of building norms, unauthorized annexation of government properties, and misappropriation of public funds during the renovation process.
This inquiry adds to a series of investigations into the matter. In May 2023, following a complaint by senior Congress leader Ajay Maken, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered an inquiry into the alleged irregularities and extravagant expenses. By September 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary inquiry into the matter. The CPWD suspended three engineers in August 2024 for alleged illegalities, which the AAP termed a “witch-hunt”.
Conclusion
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy underscores the complex interplay between governance, public perception, and political rivalry. As the CVC and other agencies delve deeper into the allegations, the outcomes may have significant implications for political accountability and the prudent use of public resources in governmental projects.
