As Delhi gears up for its upcoming assembly elections, a renewed political firestorm has erupted over the alleged extravagance in the renovation of the former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence at 6 Flag Staff Road. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of misusing public funds to transform the property into a “7-Star Resort,” which they have dubbed a “Sheesh Mahal” (palace of mirrors).
Virendraa Sachdeva, Delhi BJP president, spearheaded the latest wave of accusations, claiming that Kejriwal violated his promise to eschew government perks.
Sachdeva detailed the alleged costs
- Marble granite lighting: Rs 1.9 crore
- Installation and civil work: Rs 1.5 crore
- Gym/spa equipment: Rs 35 lakh
- Total expense: Rs 3.75 crore
खुद को आम आदमी कहने वाले @ArvindKejriwal की अय्याशी के शीशमहल की सच्चाई हम बताते आए हैं , आज आपको दिखायेंगे भी!
जनता के पैसे खाकर अपने लिए 7-Star Resort का निर्माण करवाया है!
शानदार Gym-Sauna Room-Jacuzzi की कीमत!
• Marble Granite Lighting→ ₹ 1.9 Cr.
•Installation-Civil… pic.twitter.com/QReaeNMRQ8— Virendraa Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva) December 10, 2024
He further asserted that the Rs 52.71 crore spent on the renovation, as per a report by Delhi’s Vigilance Directorate, could have been better utilized for public welfare. Sachdeva claimed that funds equivalent to the renovation costs could have provided 34 DDA flats for economically weaker sections (EWS), 15 low-income group flats and 326 e-rickshaws.
“The common man’s leader has built a luxury resort for himself with taxpayer money,” Sachdeva said, accusing Kejriwal of hypocrisy and betrayal of his “aam aadmi” image.
AAP’s Counterattack
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia responded sharply, defending Kejriwal and attacking the BJP for focusing on the bungalow instead of critical issues like education and infrastructure.
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“Arvind Kejriwal built a house for himself, but where are the schools and hospitals the BJP promised? They’ve looted thousands of crores meant for public welfare, but they talk about a few crores spent on a house,” Sisodia said.
He accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from pressing issues and expressed frustration at the party’s inability to address governance failures.
A Long-Standing Dispute
This is not the first time Kejriwal’s official residence has come under scrutiny. Past allegations have centered on the scale and cost of renovations, raising questions about whether the expenses were justifiable.
The issue has now resurfaced with renewed intensity as both parties attempt to sway voters ahead of the polls.
The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Critics argue that such expenses contradict Kejriwal’s claims of simplicity, while supporters emphasize his contributions to education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Delhi.
Election Implications
With elections on the horizon, the BJP appears poised to use the bungalow controversy to challenge AAP’s narrative of clean governance. Meanwhile, AAP continues to highlight its achievements in public service as a counter to corruption charges.
The unfolding battle over “Sheesh Mahal” is likely to be a key flashpoint in the upcoming election campaign.
