Trouble mounts for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently lodged in Tihar Jail. While former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia has been granted bail, Kejriwal faces fresh allegations regarding his official residence at 6 Flag Staff Road.
The project, shrouded in allegations of extravagance, irregularities, and potential misuse of public funds, has triggered a heated debate and drawn scrutiny from opposition parties and anti-corruption activists.
Right now, PWD engineers are facing continuous action. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has suspended seven individuals, including three senior engineers, for their involvement in the project. They were posted at other places after completing their work in Delhi, but they have been suspended due to irregularities.
The Allegations
Exorbitant Cost: The most glaring allegation is the exorbitant cost of the renovation, reportedly exceeding ₹45 crores (approximately US$5.6 million). Critics argue that such a massive expenditure on a government official’s residence is unjustified, especially during a time when public resources are strained.
The total expenditure included Rs 11.30 crore on interior decoration, Rs 6.02 crore on stone and marble flooring, Rs one crore on interior consultancy, Rs 2.58 crore on electrical fittings and appliances, Rs 2.85 crore on fire fighting system, Rs 1.41 crore on wardrobe and accessories fitting, and Rs 1.1 crore on kitchen appliances. A separate amount of Rs 8.11 crore out of the sanctioned amount of Rs 9.99 crore was spent on the camp office of the chief minister at his official residence.
Lavish Amenities: Detailed descriptions of the renovated residence paint a picture of opulence, including high-end materials like Vietnam marble, automatic doors, and expensive curtains. These claims have fueled public outrage and raised questions about the priorities of the Delhi government.
Regulatory Violations: The renovation process itself has come under fire, with allegations of bypassing regulations and manipulating procedures to facilitate the project. The involvement of senior government officials in the process has further deepened the controversy.
Political Fallout
The “Sheesh Mahal” issue has quickly become a political battleground, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading the charge against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, given his party’s anti-corruption image, and demanded his resignation.
On the other hand, the AAP has defended the renovation, claiming that the previous residence was in a dilapidated condition and required a complete overhaul. The party has also accused the BJP of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting the AAP government.
Legal and Administrative Actions
The controversy has prompted legal and administrative actions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the renovation process. Several government officials, including senior engineers, have been suspended pending investigation.
Public Sentiment
The “Sheesh Mahal” affair has ignited a public debate on issues of governance, accountability, and the appropriate use of public funds. While some support the government’s right to provide adequate facilities for its chief executive, others are outraged by the perceived extravagance.
The controversy has also raised broader questions about transparency and accountability in government spending. As the investigation progresses, the public will be watching closely to see how the matter is resolved and what consequences, if any, are imposed on those involved.
The “Sheesh Mahal” case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical governance. It highlights the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of public funds and maintain public trust.