Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, finds himself at the centre of a major controversy as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) orders an in-depth investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the construction and renovation of his official residence, dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal.’ The inquiry, initiated following a report submitted by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), raises serious questions about financial mismanagement, procedural violations, and the extravagant use of public funds.
Background of the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy
The controversy first surfaced when opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused Kejriwal of misusing taxpayers’ money to construct an opulent residence while maintaining an image of simplicity. The property, covering an estimated 40,000 square yards (approximately 8 acres), allegedly underwent extensive renovations that cost significantly more than publicly disclosed figures.
Initial estimates suggested the renovations amounted to ₹44–55 crores. However, senior Congress leader Ajay Maken later claimed that the total expenditure exceeded ₹181 crores, factoring in the cost of demolishing adjacent government properties, acquiring nearby residences, and purchasing luxury furnishings. Reports suggest that a significant portion of government-owned land, previously allocated for IAS officers’ residences, was repurposed for the construction of Kejriwal’s bungalow.
CVC Investigation and Alleged Violations
The CVC’s decision to investigate stems from multiple alleged violations, including:
Bypassing Regulatory Approvals – Construction laws in Delhi, particularly in the Civil Lines and Lutyens’ zones, prohibit major structural modifications without prior clearance. Reports indicate that Kejriwal’s residence underwent unapproved expansions.
Illegal Demolition and Land Acquisition – Several nearby government-owned properties were reportedly vacated and demolished to expand the ‘Sheesh Mahal.’ Bureaucrats and officers were allegedly relocated to other accommodations.
Misuse of Public Funds – Expensive interior modifications, including curtains worth ₹5.6 crores, high-end kitchen appliances costing ₹1.25 crores, and a sophisticated water filtration system priced at ₹15 crores, were procured using public money.
Questionable Procurement Processes – It has been alleged that orders for premium materials and furnishings were placed without competitive bidding, raising concerns about transparency and potential corruption.
Political Ramifications and BJP’s Response
With the BJP’s rise to power in Delhi, the question of who will occupy Kejriwal’s lavish residence has sparked debate. BJP leaders have made it clear that the incoming Chief Minister will not reside in the bungalow, and strict action will be taken regarding the irregularities surrounding its construction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly instructed BJP leaders to focus on governance priorities, with a 100-day action plan set in motion. Additionally, the directive includes intensifying scrutiny over past misdeeds of the AAP government, ensuring that Kejriwal and his associates face legal consequences if found guilty.
Sunita Kejriwal and the Expanding Investigation
The controversy is no longer limited to Arvind Kejriwal alone. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, is also under scrutiny for allegedly approving extravagant expenses related to the residence’s furnishing. Investigators have reportedly found documentation suggesting that certain procurement decisions were made on her direct instructions.
The CVC’s probe is expected to examine her role in overseeing modifications, particularly in the interior design and procurement processes. If found guilty of influencing government contracts for personal luxury, she too could face legal repercussions.
Broader Legal Challenges for Kejriwal
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ probe adds to Kejriwal’s mounting legal troubles. He is already embroiled in the Delhi liquor policy scam case, with fresh hearings scheduled to begin soon. With his resignation from the Chief Minister’s post and loss of official immunity, Kejriwal’s legal vulnerability has increased. Speculation is rife that he could be arrested and sent back to Tihar Jail if evidence strongly implicates him in corruption cases.
What’s Next?
As the investigation progresses, multiple scenarios could unfold:
If found guilty of financial irregularities, Kejriwal could face criminal charges under anti-corruption laws.
The BJP government may seize or repurpose the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ to symbolically dismantle what they claim to be an emblem of AAP’s hypocrisy.
Sunita Kejriwal’s role may come under deeper scrutiny, potentially leading to legal action against her as well.
With the BJP firm on its stance, it appears unlikely that Kejriwal will be able to return to power in the near future, significantly weakening AAP’s influence in Delhi politics.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy represents a pivotal moment in Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey. Initially sparked by claims of financial mismanagement, this situation has escalated into a significant legal confrontation that could shape his political future. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has intensified its investigation, and with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continuing to press the issue, Kejriwal faces ongoing political and legal challenges. The upcoming months are critical; they will reveal whether this scandal leads to his political disgrace or if he can successfully weather the storm without significant fallout.
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