Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal finds himself at the center of a political firestorm. The “Sheesh Mahal” scandal, as it has come to be known, alleges that Kejriwal misused public funds to indulge in extravagant personal luxuries at his official residence, located at 6 Flagstaff Road, Delhi. Once hailed as a leader of simplicity and integrity, Kejriwal is now accused of living lavishly at the taxpayers’ expense, raising serious questions about his commitment to the values of the “aam aadmi” (common man) that he once championed.
The “Sheesh Mahal” Allegations
The controversy exploded after Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) released an inventory of Kejriwal’s former residence, revealing a long list of high-end furnishings and luxury installations. These include motorized curtains worth several crores, gold-plated stair railings, and advanced “Toto Smart Toilets” priced between ₹10-12 lakh each. Critics were quick to dub the residence “Sheesh Mahal” due to its opulence, drawing stark comparisons to the humble image Kejriwal has long projected.
What has made the situation worse for Kejriwal is the accusation that some of these luxury items, including air conditioners and bathroom fittings, went missing after he vacated the residence. The most infamous missing item is the smart toilet, equipped with features like heated seats, UV sanitation, and water massage functions — a far cry from the image of simplicity Kejriwal once presented.
Lavish Renovations: A Betrayal of Simplicity?
The scale of the renovations shocked the public, especially as Kejriwal has always portrayed himself as a no-frills leader. The residence, sprawling over 21,000 square feet, reportedly underwent extensive renovations costing crores. The luxurious features included imported marble, automated window curtains costing ₹2 crores, smart refrigerators with built-in AI, and even 24 decorative pillars worth ₹36 lakhs.
A complete list of the items in the “Sheesh Mahal” included:
- 16 Ultra Slim Smart 4K TVs, Voice Controlled—₹64 lakhs
- Smart LED – Rs 19.5 lakhs……
- 3. Freestanding Luminaire – Rs 9.2 lakhs
- OSADA Full Body Massage Chair – Rs 4 lakhs.
- Recliner Sofas – Rs 10 lakhs
- 8 Motorized Recliner Sofas – Rs 10 lakhs.
- Bose Loudspeaker – Rs 4.5 lakhs
- 2 Smart Refrigerators with inbuilt TV & AI Vision Screen – Rs 9 lakhs
- 73-litre Steam Oven – Rs 9 lakhs
- 50-litre Microwave Oven – Rs 6 lakhs
- 2 Mounted Hoods, 140 cm Stainless Steel Chimney – Rs 6 lakhs
- BOSCH Series 8 Built-in Coffee Machine – Rs 2.5 lakhs.
- 3 Hot Water Generators (Air to Water Heat Pump – Rs 22.5 lakhs
- Superior Water Supply and Sanitary Installations – Rs 15 crores
- LG 12 Kg Front Load Automatic Washing Machine + Dryer – Rs 2.1 lakhs
- SS Railing, Staircase Covering (Brass, Shower Enclosure, etc) – Rs 1.2 crores
- 20 Grand Aged Brass Entrance Sconce Outdoor Lights – Rs10 lakhs
- Wooden & Glass Doors with Automatic Sliding Sensors – Rs 70 lakhs
- 24 Decorative Pillars – Rs 36 lakhs
- 80 Window Curtains – Rs 4-5.6 crores.
- Superior Water Supply – Rs 15 crores
The lavishness of these publicly funded items has sparked significant political outrage, particularly because Kejriwal once vowed to reject such luxuries. Back in 2013, he famously promised that neither he nor his ministers would reside in government bungalows, choosing modest government flats instead. Now, 11 years later, the extravagant upgrades to his residence have left many questioning whether his commitment to an anti-VIP culture was ever sincere.
A Widening Political Storm
The allegations have been compounded by an investigation ordered by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG), VK Saxena, who asked for a report on the matter within 15 days. The AAP, however, has labeled the investigation undemocratic and unconstitutional, arguing that the LG lacks the authority to initiate such inquiries. Despite the party’s defense, public sentiment has largely turned against Kejriwal, with political opponents and the media focusing on the glaring contradictions between his actions and his professed values.
The Missing Luxuries and Public Outrage
Among the most eyebrow-raising accusations is the alleged disappearance of the high-end Toto Smart Toilets, reportedly priced at ₹12 lakh each. These smart commodes, featuring remote-controlled functions and built-in UV cleaners, symbolize the excesses associated with Kejriwal’s residence. The fact that they are now missing only adds fuel to the fire, with opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), using the scandal to accuse Kejriwal of gross hypocrisy.
BJP spokespersons have been relentless in their attacks, pointing out that Kejriwal once criticized politicians like Sheila Dikshit for similar extravagances, only to indulge in far greater luxuries himself. The missing items, coupled with the lavish renovations, have led to widespread accusations that the AAP leader misused public money for personal comfort, undermining his party’s message of representing the interests of the common man.
Political Fallout and Hypocrisy
Kejriwal’s political rivals have seized on the scandal as proof of his hypocrisy. Sambit Patra, a BJP spokesperson, has been especially vocal, accusing Kejriwal of betraying his principles and the trust of the public. The timing of this controversy is particularly damaging for Kejriwal, as it comes at a moment when his administration is already under scrutiny for its handling of Delhi’s pressing issues, including air pollution, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Kejriwal’s muted defense has not helped his cause. While his party has attempted to deflect the controversy by focusing on other political issues, the allegations of luxury spending are likely to stick. For a leader whose political identity has been rooted in honesty, simplicity, and anti-corruption, this scandal could have long-term consequences for his image.
A Broader Political Issue
The “Sheesh Mahal” scandal reflects a broader issue in Indian politics — the dissonance between the image politicians project and the realities of their personal lives. Kejriwal built his entire political career on the promise of honest governance, transparency, and a rejection of the “VIP culture.” However, this controversy suggests that Kejriwal may have fallen into the very traps he once decried.
The scandal also highlights the risks that come with personalizing a political brand. Kejriwal’s simplicity was a key element of his appeal, but the revelations about his lavish lifestyle have created a disconnect that is difficult to ignore.
What’s Next for Kejriwal?
As investigations continue into the alleged disappearance of luxury items from his former residence, it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact Kejriwal’s political future. His critics have been quick to celebrate what they see as proof of his double standards, while his supporters are left grappling with the growing evidence of excess and indulgence.
The outcome of this scandal will likely shape how Kejriwal is remembered in the years to come. Will this be just another controversy that fades from public memory, or will it mark a turning point in his political journey? Only time will tell, but for now, the accusations of a “Sheesh Mahal” have certainly tarnished his carefully crafted image of integrity and simplicity.