BJP protests outside Arvind Kejriwal's residence over alleged 'Sheesh Mahal' renovation

NEW DELHI: BJP leaders and workers staged a protest outside AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Feroz Shah Road on Thursday, intensifying their attack over the alleged extravagant renovation of his previous official bungalow, which the party has dubbed a "Sheesh Mahal."

The BJP has been targeting Kejriwal, questioning the source of funding for the “luxurious” items allegedly installed at the 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines, which served as the Delhi chief minister's residence until his resignation earlier this year.

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BJP’s allegations and protest call

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva had announced the protest on Wednesday, accusing Kejriwal of indulging in extravagance while failing to answer pertinent questions regarding the source of funding for high-end furnishings at the property. "Delhi CM should answer why he decorated the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ with such costly items. This is taxpayers' money, and the people deserve transparency," Sachdeva said.

Citing an inventory reportedly prepared by the Public Works Department (PWD), BJP leaders alleged a significant disparity between the items provided by the department in 2022 and those left behind when Kejriwal vacated the residence in 2024. The inventory included premium fixtures such as luxurious toilet seats, reclining sofas, costly carpets, and high-end electronic appliances.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, also wrote to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena demanding a high-level investigation into the "extravagant additions" to the property. Gupta claimed the PWD had not supplied several items listed in the inventory and questioned their procurement.

AAP hits back at BJP

The Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and aimed at maligning Kejriwal’s image. “The BJP has unleashed countless investigations against AAP leaders, yet not a single rupee of wrongdoing has been proven. These tactics will not deter us,” AAP said in a statement.

The party also pointed out that Kejriwal vacated the official residence after resigning as Delhi chief minister, adhering to all constitutional norms, unlike many politicians who cling to government accommodations.

A long-standing controversy

The controversy first erupted earlier this year when documents purportedly prepared by the PWD surfaced, revealing discrepancies in the list of items allocated to the bungalow in 2022 and the inventory taken after Kejriwal vacated it in 2024.

BJP leaders have alleged that the cost of the additional items runs into crores and demanded answers on whether funds from the Delhi Jal Board or the controversial excise policy were used.

The BJP has repeatedly questioned Kejriwal’s silence on the issue, with Sachdeva terming the alleged extravagance as symbolic of the "overflowing pot of sins of the Kejriwal government."


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