BJP Protests Outside Arvind Kejriwal's Residence Over Alleged 'Sheesh Mahal' Expenditure, Demands Probe

Members and workers of the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by their president Virendra Sachdeva, held a significant protest on Thursday outside the residence of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The BJP demanded explanations regarding the alleged lavish expenditures on the now-controversial 'Sheesh Mahal' bungalow.

The controversy escalated following the release of an inventory list that detailed opulent furnishings, including gold-plated fixtures, luxury furniture, and expensive decorations-items reportedly far exceeding what the Public Works Department (PWD) provided.

According to PWD records, these costly items, valued at crores of rupees, were not supplied to Arvind Kejriwal's 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow, Sachdeva claimed at a press conference on Wednesday.

"How did you acquire these extravagant items in the 'Sheesh Mahal'? Was it funded by the Punjab government, the liquor scam, or the Delhi Jal Board?" Sachdeva questioned.

AAP responds

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dismissed the BJP's allegations, asserting that such tactics aim to "malign a staunchly honest" leader like Kejriwal. AAP further claimed that Delhiites have seen through the BJP's "false accusations," which is why the 'Kejriwal model' continues to gain momentum.

"Unlike leaders who cling to their official residences and privileges for years, Kejriwal set an example by vacating the property after resigning as Delhi Chief Minister, adhering to constitutional norms," the AAP stated.

BJP raises concerns over extravagant items

The BJP has consistently questioned the transformation of Kejriwal's official residence into what they describe as a palace-like dwelling. According to PWD records, only basic furnishings were provided when Kejriwal moved into the bungalow in 2022. However, an inventory prepared upon his departure in 2024 revealed extravagant additions such as chandeliers worth lakhs and carpets valued at over Rs 50 lakh.

"After renovations in 2022, the PWD only provided essential items for daily use. But when Kejriwal vacated the property, PWD officials were shocked by the lavish furnishings present," Sachdeva alleged.

He further claimed that while the PWD's original allocation list for the bungalow in 2022 was just one page long, the updated inventory after Kejriwal's exit spanned eight pages. A purported letter from a PWD official also stated that no additional items were supplied by the department after April 2022.

"When we question Arvind Kejriwal about the 'Sheesh Mahal,' neither he nor his Chief Minister, Atishi, responds. We have these documents, and we hope they will provide answers," Sachdeva said.

BJP calls for a high-level inquiry

Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has written to the Lt Governor, demanding a thorough investigation into the "luxurious items" found in the bungalow. Gupta claimed that these additions included premium toilet seats, reclining sofas, expensive curtains, exquisite carpets, and high-value electronics-all of which were not supplied by the PWD.

Gupta questioned the source of the funds used for these alleged "extravagant additions."

In response, the AAP argued that the BJP has subjected the AAP government to numerous investigations, targeting its leaders, ministers, and MLAs. Despite imprisoning many under "false charges," the BJP has failed to uncover "even a single rupee of wrongdoing," the party asserted.