New Delhi: In a significant setback for Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Chief Minister of Delhi, the Centre has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding his official residence, commonly referred to as ‘Sheesh Mahal.’
The Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) has instructed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to carry out a thorough probe into claims that construction regulations were breached during the renovation and expansion of the property located at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines.
This colonial-era mansion and its surrounding gardens now span approximately 40,000 square yards (8 acres) in the upscale Civil Lines area of Delhi.
The CVC issued the probe order on February 13, following a report from the CPWD regarding the contentious renovations and expansions at Kejriwal’s official bungalow.
The investigation has been prompted by increasing political pressure from the BJP. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva had previously urged Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to rescind the merger of four government-owned properties with 6, Flagstaff Road.
Sachdeva claimed in his letter that the Chief Minister’s residence was illegally expanded by integrating neighboring government properties, thereby violating municipal and land use regulations.
The BJP has asserted that if it comes to power in Delhi, the next Chief Minister will not take up residence in the bungalow.
Kejriwal had vacated the house after resigning in October 2024 amid mounting political scrutiny from the BJP over corruption allegations.
An October 2024 report from the PWD revealed lavish renovations and high-end appliances in the bungalow, which provided the BJP with further grounds to criticize the AAP leadership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also attacked Kejriwal at a rally in Delhi, stating that while Kejriwal could have built a ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ he chose instead to construct over 4 crore homes for the underprivileged.
The BJP has consistently targeted Kejriwal, accusing him of corruption and misusing public funds, particularly concerning the extravagant renovations of the bungalow.