In a political storm brewing ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s former official residence has become the focal point of controversy. Dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, the bungalow’s extravagant renovation costs have drawn widespread criticism, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a dig at Kejriwal during a rally on Sunday.
CAG Report Unveils Shocking Expenditures
According to a report by The Times of India, a leaked draft of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) audit claims that over ₹33 crore was spent on renovating Kejriwal’s official residence, despite an initial budget estimate of just ₹7.9 crore. The renovation began in 2020 when the bungalow, located on 6 Flagstaff Road, was allocated to Kejriwal.
The report details some startling expenses:
- ₹28.9 lakh was spent on an 88-inch LG 8K OLED TV.
- ₹43.9 lakh was used to purchase 10 other Sony 4K OLED TVs.
- A microwave oven costing ₹1.8 lakh, and two steam ovens priced at ₹6.5 lakh, were installed.
- A washing machine worth ₹1.9 lakh and 10 beds and sofas for ₹13 lakh were purchased.
- Luxurious additions like a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa cost an additional ₹19.5 lakh.
- Construction of seven servant quarters alone amounted to a whopping ₹19.8 crore.
PWD Audit Records Missing
The CAG report alleges that the Public Works Department (PWD), which oversaw the renovation, did not provide complete records for audit despite repeated requests. These irregularities in budget revisions and procurement processes have raised serious questions. The report has now been submitted to the Lieutenant Governor for further action.
Inside the Luxurious Bungalow
The sprawling 21,000 sq. ft. property includes:
- 8 bedrooms, 3 meeting rooms, 2 drawing rooms, 2 kitchens, 12 bathrooms, and a dining hall.
- The three-story structure is furnished with 24 sofas, 76 tables, 45 chairs, 8 beds, and 5 recliner sofas—each costing ₹81,000.
- An inventory compiled by PWD in October 2024 lists 75 Bose ceiling speakers and 50 air conditioners, installed across kitchens, toilets, gym areas, and washrooms.
BJP Terms It ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ Kejriwal Defends
The BJP has been relentlessly targeting Kejriwal, accusing him of hypocrisy. They frequently recall his past statements, where he pledged not to indulge in the lavish lifestyles often associated with politicians. BJP leaders mockingly refer to the residence as a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (palace of glass) and question the necessity of such extravagant renovations for a government residence.
In response, Kejriwal defended the expenditure, stating, “This is not my personal property but the official residence of the Chief Minister. Whoever becomes the CM will stay in this house.” He added that after resigning from the CM post, he vacated the house. Currently, the bungalow has been allocated to Delhi’s new Chief Minister Atishi.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
