Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday accused former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of excessive spending and misuse of public funds in renovating Kejriwal’s official residence, referred to by the BJP as the “Sheeshmahal”. Gupta addressed the Vidhan Sabha, alleging that Kejriwal withheld an official report on the renovation for years while portraying himself as a common man.
Gupta claimed that Kejriwal lived lavishly despite presenting an image of simplicity. She demanded a probe into the expenditures and urged that the matter be referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with Speaker Vijender Gupta reportedly forwarding the report accordingly.
LUXURY FEATURES IN KEJRIWAL RESIDENCE
The Chief Minister highlighted several costly additions to the residence, including around 50 air conditioners and 70 fans. She also mentioned a 7 lakh lift allegedly used for transporting food between floors, an 18 lakh coffee machine, and a centralised climate control system. Gupta said she visited the residence with BJP leader Parvesh Verma and remarked that other government houses resembled dharamshalas in comparison.
Referring to criticism faced by former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Gupta said an earlier controversy over 10 air conditioners at Dikshit’s residence had drawn sharp reactions, and contrasted it with the higher number now alleged at Kejriwal’s residence.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST OTHER AAP LEADERS
The Chief Minister also cited alleged renovation expenditure for residences linked to AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia (Rs 7.5 crore), Rakhi Birla (Rs 2 crore), Ram Niwas (Rs 3 crore), Saurabh Bhardwaj (Rs 1 crore) and Atishi (Rs 67 lakh), calling it indicative of “misplaced priorities”.
Linking the issue to the Covid-19 period, Gupta alleged that the spending took place when people were struggling for oxygen and healthcare, and claimed officials were focused on renovations instead of governance.
She termed the alleged expenditure excessive and called for accountability and action based on the report.
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