Delhi's political scene is currently embroiled in a controversy surrounding the renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, with Leader of the Opposition, Vijender Gupta, accusing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal of illegal construction activities worth Rs 200 crore.
Gupta, a senior BJP leader, has raised concerns about the extensive demolition and merging of government properties to create a grand new “Sheesh Mahal” (glass house) for the Delhi Chief Minister, located at 6 Flag Staff Road in north Delhi.
According to Gupta, the controversial project involved the demolition of eight Type-V flats situated at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road, along with two bungalows (8-A and 8-B), all of which were merged into the CM's residence.
This was done on an expansive 10-acre plot, which had previously been home to senior administrative officers, Gupta claimed. Despite the merging of these properties, they are still listed as separate entities in government records, raising questions about the legality of the entire operation.
Gupta criticised Kejriwal’s leadership, accusing him of bypassing the necessary approvals for such a major construction. The BJP leader argued that the Chief Minister’s actions contradict his party’s self-proclaimed reputation for honesty.
According to Gupta, if the Opposition had not exposed the illegal construction activities, they would have continued without any interruptions.
He further accused the government of spending massive amounts on lavish furnishings, including gold-plated commodes, expensive televisions, luxury sofas, and reclining chairs, all purchased for the “Sheesh Mahal” during a time when the nation was grappling with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The allegations do not stop at extravagant furnishings. Gupta also raised concerns about a possible link between Kejriwal’s new liquor policy and the luxury purchases.
He suggested that the policy, which increased liquor sales commissions from 5 per cent to 12 per cent, may have been a deal between the Delhi government and liquor cartels. In return, Gupta claimed, these cartels could have supplied expensive items to furnish the CM’s residence.
A comparison of the Public Works Department’s (PWD) inventory lists from 2022 and 2024 revealed startling discrepancies. The value of the furnishings in 2024 was found to be eight times greater than what was originally listed in 2022.
Gupta speculated that if the PWD was not responsible for the additional items, they might have been gifts from liquor cartels as part of an illegal arrangement. This claim has raised serious questions about the ethical conduct of the Delhi government.
Gupta's accusations have prompted the Central Vigilance Commission to launch an inquiry into the matter. The Delhi Vigilance Department was directed to submit a report within five days, but Gupta has accused the AAP government of exerting pressure on PWD officials, resulting in delays in the investigation.
The inquiry seeks to uncover who provided the luxurious items for the CM’s residence, the benefits they received in return, and whether proper official procedures were followed during the renovation process.
Gupta has expressed his belief that once the investigation report is released, the public will be exposed to the “dark secrets” of Kejriwal’s governance, shattering his image of unwavering honesty.
He has warned that Kejriwal will face political consequences for his actions, and the BJP plans to make this issue a key campaign theme for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
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