‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy heated up before Delhi elections, CAG report reveals shocking secrets

The controversy regarding the Chief Minister’s residence is deepening before the assembly elections in Delhi. The bungalow where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used to reside has been termed ‘Sheeshmahal’ by BJP and Congress. Now the CAG report regarding the expenditure on this bungalow has been leaked, in which huge irregularities have been claimed.

During the Parivartan Rally on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted Kejriwal on this issue and called it a big corruption.

What does the CAG report say?

The CAG has said that more than ₹33 crore was spent on the renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, while the initial budget was only ₹7.9 crore, The Times of India reported.

• Start of renovation: In 2020, when this bungalow was allotted in the name of Arvind Kejriwal.
• Details of expenses:
  • 88-inch OLED TV (8K LG): ₹28.9 lakh.
  • 10 Other OLED TV (4K Sony): ₹43.9 lakh.
  • Microwave oven: ₹1.8 lakh.
  • Two steam ovens: ₹6.5 lakh.
  • Washing Machine: ₹1.9 lakh.
  • 10 beds and sofas: ₹13 lakh.

Arrangement of amenities:

• Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa: ₹19.5 lakh.
• 7 Servant Quarters: Built for ₹19.8 crore.

The CAG report also pointed out that the PWD department of the Delhi government did not provide all the documents for audit despite repeated requests.

Building facilities and furnishing

• Location: 6 Flagstaff Road, spread over 21,000 square feet.
• Room:
  • 8 bedrooms, 3 meeting rooms, 2 drawing rooms.
  • 2 kitchens, 12 toilets, and 1 dining hall.
• Furniture:
  • 24 sofas, 76 tables, 45 chairs.
  • 8 beds, 5 recliner sofas (₹81,000 per sofa).
• Other equipment:
  • 75 Bose Ceiling Speakers.
  • 50 ACs, which were installed in the kitchen, toilet, and gym.

political allegations and counter-allegations

1. BJP’s attack:
   • BJP has made a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal by calling this bungalow as ‘Sheeshmahal’.
   • The party reminded that before coming to power, Kejriwal had opposed big bungalows and vehicles.
2. Congress statement:
   • Congress termed it the “Sheeshmahal scam” and said Kejriwal is involved in corruption.
3. Arvind Kejriwal’s answer:
   • Kejriwal said, “This is not my personal house, but the Chief Minister’s residence. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister will live in this house.”
   • He also told that after leaving the post of Chief Minister, he had vacated this residence.

Current Status: Currently this bungalow is allotted in the name of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

What is the impact of the dispute?

• CAG report mentioned:
  The CAG has not only talked about increasing the budget but has also alleged irregularities in the expenditure process.
• Impact on vote bank:
  Both BJP and Congress have made this issue an election issue, due to which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is under pressure.