Delhi govt to probe goverment funds spent on 'Sheesh Mahal': Parvesh Verma

NEW DELHI: Delhi minister Parvesh Verma on Thursday said an investigation will be initiated into the "Sheesh Mahal" controversy to assess how much goverment money was spent on renovating former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence.

The bungalow, located at 6 Flagstaff Road, has been labeled "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP, which ousted the AAP government earlier this month, accusing Kejriwal of misusing government funds for lavish renovations.

Verma, who defeated Kejriwal from the New Delhi seat in the February 5 assembly polls, stated that an inquiry would also be conducted into the reconstruction of the chief minister's office, built three years ago under the AAP government. "We will investigate how much money was spent and on what basis officials approved such expenses," Verma told media.

As the newly appointed PWD Minister, Verma visited Defence Colony to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects, accompanied by senior department officials.

During the visit, he examined a damaged culvert ('puliya') that had remained in disrepair for two years, causing road closures and heavy traffic congestion. He directed officials to speed up the tender process and assured residents that repair work would begin by April.

Highlighting the importance of the route, Verma said, "This road leads to Barapullah and is a key corridor for commuters. Due to the previous government's negligence, the Barapullah project cost has doubled from its original estimate."

He further criticized the former AAP administration, claiming that in the last ten years, no minister from Kejriwal’s government had visited the site to review its progress.

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