New Delhi:
In a significant move following the recent Delhi elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for the restoration of the Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence, known as “Sheesh Mahal,” to its original state. This demand comes on the heels of allegations of illegal construction and misuse of public funds by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, urging him to cancel the merger of four government properties that were used to expand the residence. This controversy played a crucial role in the electoral campaign, contributing to the end of the 10-year rule of Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The bungalow, initially a modest Type 5 residence, was transformed into a luxurious Type 8 bungalow, typically reserved for senior cabinet ministers. This Rs 33.6 crore makeover included opulent amenities such as jacuzzis and gold-plated toilets, starkly contrasting with Kejriwal’s public image as a “common man.”
The BJP has formally requested Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to revoke the merger of four government properties that expanded the grounds of Sheesh Mahal at 6, Flagstaff Road. This expansion, which turned a standard official residence into a lavish complex spanning over 50,000 square meters, is at the heart of the controversy.
BJP MLA Vijender Gupta alleged that Kejriwal illegally annexed neighboring government properties, including eight Type-V flats at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road and government bungalows at 8A and 8B Flagstaff Road, to create this ultra-luxurious residence. Gupta’s letter to the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the unauthorized nature of these alterations and the significant misuse of public funds.
The BJP has declared that the new Chief Minister will not occupy the bungalow, and there are suggestions that it may be converted into a museum. This decision reflects the party’s commitment to addressing the public’s concerns over the alleged misuse of public resources.
The Sheesh Mahal controversy was a pivotal issue in the Delhi elections, helping the BJP secure a majority and end AAP’s decade-long rule. The luxurious reconstruction of the bungalow, which included amenities like saunas and jacuzzis, was a potent political weapon for the BJP, highlighting what they termed as Kejriwal’s hypocrisy and extravagance.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has taken possession of the residence and conducted a detailed audit, revealing the extravagant interiors. An inquiry into the irregularities and cost escalation in the renovation has been initiated by the vigilance department, with some PWD officials facing suspension. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the matter, ensuring a thorough examination of the allegations.
As the BJP prepares to form a government in Delhi after a 27-year hiatus, the future use of the Sheesh Mahal remains a topic of discussion. The new government will take a final call on whether the bungalow will be repurposed or restored to its original state, marking a significant shift in the capital’s political landscape.
