BJP to gherao Kejriwal’s residence over ‘Sheeshmahal’ expenses today

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Wednesday said party members would stage a protest outside former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence tomorrow, demanding answers regarding the extravagant expenses on the ‘Sheeshmahal’ bungalow. The protest will take place at Kejriwal’s unauthorised residence on the Ferozshah Road.

The controversy surrounding the lavish furnishings in the bungalow has deepened following the release of a new inventory list, which reveals expensive additions far beyond what was provided by the Public Works Department (PWD).

“Delhiites are shocked to learn that the Sheeshmahal bungalow was decorated with luxurious items such as gold-plated toilets and wash basins. This raises serious questions about the source of the funds that went into these lavish renovations,” Sachdeva said during a press conference.

The BJP has been vocal in questioning the sudden transformation of the bungalow into a palace-like residence, especially after PWD records indicated that only basic items had been supplied when Kejriwal moved in during 2022. A letter from a PWD official to a senior officer clarified that no additional items had been provided to the bungalow after April 2022. Yet, when Kejriwal vacated the residence in 2024, the inventory list revealed a stunning array of high-end furniture, gold-plated fixtures and costly decorations.

“The new inventory, which spans eight pages, raises serious concerns. It shows that after 2022, no further items were supplied by the PWD, but we now see a lavish setup with gold-plated toilets, chandeliers costing lakhs and carpets worth over Rs 50 lakh,” said Sachdeva.

He further criticised Kejriwal and his party leaders for failing to respond to questions about the bungalow’s extravagant expenses. “Whenever these questions are raised, neither Kejriwal nor any AAP leader comes forward with any answers. This is not just about one bungalow, but about the larger issue of corruption within the AAP government,” he said.

The BJP president also suggested that the opulent spending could be linked to ongoing corruption scandals involving the AAP government, including the controversial liquor policy. “Kejriwal must explain whether this ‘Sheeshmahal’ was funded by the liquor scam, the school and hospital construction scams, or through plunder from Punjab,” Sachdeva added.

LoP calls for probe into luxurious amenities

New Delhi: Vijender Gupta, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, has demanded a high-level investigation by the Lieutenant-Governor into the luxurious amenities found at the former official residence of Arvind Kejriwal. The residence, located at 6 Flagstaff Road, was occupied by Kejriwal until he vacated it in 2024.