New Delhi:
In a significant development, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has initiated a probe into the lavish renovations and alleged irregularities at the former official residence of ex-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a property that has been dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This investigation follows a series of allegations and complaints regarding the misuse of government properties and violation of building norms.
The controversy surrounding the 6 Flagstaff Road Bungalow has been a pivotal issue in Delhi’s recent political landscape, particularly during the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva has been at the forefront, urging Lt Governor VK Saxena to annul the merger of four government properties with the bungalow, which he claims was done without proper authorization. This merger, according to Sachdeva, led to the expansion of the bungalow in violation of ground coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) norms.
The CVC ordered the probe on February 13, following the submission of a factual report by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). This report was based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on October 14, 2024, alleging illegal construction and significant violations of building norms at Kejriwal’s former residence.
Gupta’s complaint detailed that the bungalow’s expansion involved the unauthorized merger of four government properties, including plots on Rajpur Road and two bungalows on Flag Staff Road. These properties, which previously housed senior officers and judges, were demolished and integrated into the new residence, allegedly without proper layout plan approvals.
The CPWD has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into these allegations, focusing on whether building norms were bypassed to construct the lavish mansion, which spans 40,000 square yards (8 acres). The probe aims to uncover any financial irregularities and misuse of public funds in the renovation and luxury additions made to the bungalow.
Kejriwal occupied the 6 Flagstaff Road Bungalow as his official residence from 2015 until October 2024, when he resigned as Chief Minister amidst intense political pressure from the BJP. The BJP had made corruption and the lavish renovations at ‘Sheesh Mahal’ central themes in their electoral campaign, which ultimately led to their victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The BJP secured 48 out of 70 assembly seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) managed only 22 seats.
The controversy over ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has been vehemently denied by Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, who have labeled the allegations as politically motivated. However, the CVC’s decision to investigate these claims underscores the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated.
