BJP accuses Kejri of corruption in ‘sheesh mahal’ construction

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has accused former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of gross mismanagement and corruption in the construction of his official residence, commonly referred to as “sheesh mahal.”

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Referring to a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Sachdeva claimed that Kejriwal had inflated the cost of the under-construction bungalow from Rs 7.91 crore to Rs 33.66 crore, a staggering 342 per cent increase.

“The CAG report clearly exposes how the cost of the bungalow escalated. What was initially considered an emergency project costing Rs 7.91 crore has ballooned to Rs 33.66 crore. This is just the official figure. The real cost is likely much higher,” Sachdeva said, adding that the complete inventory of the project, which has not been presented to the CAG, would reveal the true scale of the expenditure.

As per the CAG report, the first work order for the bungalow was issued in September 2020, initially estimated at Rs 7.91 crore. However, subsequent orders, including one for Rs 1.62 crore for the kitchen and laundry in June 2021 and another Rs 9.09 crore in October 2021, saw the project’s cost rise dramatically. By December 2021, the cost had further increased with an additional Rs 5.73 crore allocated for beautification work.

“From Day 1, this project has been a case of open corruption,” Sachdeva stated.

“Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, Kejriwal’s government prioritised this ‘emergency’ bungalow over the needs of Delhi’s citizens,” said Sachdeva.

He further alleged that the full cost of the project could reach Rs 75-80 crore, once the PWD’s inventory and departmental accounts are examined.

“This is a blatant misuse of public funds, and it’s clear that the former Chief Minister turned a blind eye to corruption while pursuing his personal luxury,” he added.