Explained: The controversy over CM’s bungalow renovation by Kejriwal
BJP accuses Kejriwal of spending lavishly on his official residence when he was Delhi CM, alleges misuse of public funds; AAP defends renovation as necessary upkeep
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of spending excessively on making luxurious upgrades to his official residence, located at 6, Flagstaff Road. This allegation has led to a political storm, with both the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) trading barbs over the issue. Here's what has happened so far:
What are the allegations?
The BJP claims that crores of rupees were spent on lavish household items and gadgets during Kejriwal’s nine-year stay in the bungalow. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva slammed the expenditures, calling them an extravagant waste of taxpayer money, though he acknowledged the need for basic modern amenities at a chief minister's residence.
Some of the items listed in an inventory, purportedly prepared by the Public Works Department (PWD), include:
Also Read: BJP claims ‘pricey’ items missing after Kejriwal left govt bungalow, Atishi hits back
• TOTO smart toilet seat: Featuring automatic sensors, heated seats, and wireless control, allegedly costing Rs 10-12 lakh each.
• High-tech kitchen appliances: A smart refrigerator with an AI-enabled screen (Rs 9 lakh), a steam oven (Rs 9 lakh), and a BOSCH coffee machine (Rs 2.5 lakh).
• Entertainment & furnishings: 16 Sony Ultra Slim 4K TVs collectively worth Rs 64 lakh, and luxury recliner sofas costing Rs 10 lakh.
The BJP also pointed out that some high-end items, such as the TOTO smart toilet seats, reportedly went "missing" after Kejriwal vacated the residence.
BJP's campaign and investigation
The BJP has dubbed the CM's official residence "Sheeshmahal" (palace of mirrors) in reference to its costly renovations and interiors. It has launched a sustained campaign questioning the legitimacy of the expenses, especially since the original renovation budget of Rs 15-20 crore reportedly ballooned to Rs 53 crore. BJP leaders allege that the renovation far exceeded what was necessary and involved violations of financial and procedural norms.
Also Read: Kejriwal vacates CM residence, shifts to colleague's Lutyens' Delhi bungalow
As part of the investigation into these allegations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered a special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The audit was initiated following a recommendation from Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena, who flagged “financial irregularities” in the renovation process.
The investigation will seek to clarify whether public money was misused in the renovation of the chief minister’s residence. The CAG audit will play a key role in determining if there were any financial irregularities or breach of protocol.
AAP's response
The AAP has dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. Kejriwal’s successor, Atishi, has insisted that the AAP has no interest in the bungalow and is focused on serving the people of Delhi, even if they have to work from the streets. Other AAP leaders have argued that the renovation was necessary because the building was in a dilapidated state, with parts of the roof caving in.
The party has also pointed out that similar expenses have been incurred by other government leaders. For instance, they claim that the renovation of the prime minister’s residence cost Rs 89 crore, while the construction cost of the new PM house is estimated at Rs 467 crore.