The controversy surrounding the ‘former chief minister’s residence surfaced after reports claimed that over ₹45 crore had been spent on its renovation
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The new BJP government in Delhi led by Rekha Gupta is to investigate the misuse of public funds for the renovation of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by BJP and other critics.
Legislative Affairs Minister Parvesh Verma said on Thursday that an investigation will be initiated into the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy to determine how much government money was used in renovating Kejriwal’s official residence, a Press Trust of India (PTI) report said.
Verma also holds the additional charge of the Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Flood Control, Water and Gurudwara Elections.
The BJP has accused Kejriwal of misusing public funds for “luxury additions” in the bungalow at Delhi’s Flagstaff Road.
The controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s residence surfaced after reports claimed that over ₹45 crore had been spent on its renovation, leading to criticism from opposition parties. The BJP has repeatedly attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of misusing taxpayer money for extravagant expenses while neglecting public welfare.
Speaking to PTI on Thursday, Verma stated, “The lavish chief minister’s office, built three years ago under the AAP government, will be investigated to determine how much money was spent on its reconstruction and on what basis officials granted permission for such expenses.”
Accompanied by senior PWD officials, Verma on Thursday visited Defence Colony to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects.
During the visit, he reviewed a damaged culvert (‘puliya’) that has been in disrepair for the past two years, causing road closures and severe traffic congestion in the area. He directed officials to expedite the tender process, assuring residents that repair work would commence by April.
Criticising the former administration, he added that over the past ten years, no minister from Kejriwal’s team had visited the site to monitor its progress.
