Arvind Kejriwal’s Lavish Spending: A Closer Look at the Sheesh Mahal Scandal
In a shocking revelation, an audit of the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at 6, Flag Staff Road has uncovered extravagant expenses that have left the public in disbelief. The findings include main and sheer curtains worth a staggering ₹96 lakh, kitchen equipment valued at ₹39 lakh, a minibar costing ₹4.80 lakh, and silk carpets totaling ₹16.27 lakh. These exorbitant costs have raised serious questions about the management of public funds and the transparency of government spending, particularly in light of the upcoming Delhi elections in 2025.
The Sheesh Mahal Controversy Unveiled
The audit report further revealed that the initial estimate for the renovation of the official residence was ₹7.91 crore. However, when the project was awarded in 2020, the cost had already escalated to ₹8.62 crore. Shockingly, upon its completion by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2022, the total cost of the so-called “Sheesh Mahal” stood at a whopping ₹33.66 crore – a staggering four times the original estimates. These findings, as reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu, have sparked outrage and disbelief among the public.
Extravagant Expenses and Questionable Choices
Among the eye-watering expenses detailed in the audit report were the exorbitant costs of various items used in the residence. From the ₹96 lakh curtains to the ₹16.27 lakh silk carpets, each item seemed to push the boundaries of reason and fiscal responsibility. The report highlighted additional expenses on items of superior specification, artistic, antique, and ornamental items, totaling ₹18.88 crore. This included luxury items such as a prefabricated lift, sliding doors, marble stone, bathtub, glass shower enclosure, and doors, all adding to the ballooning costs of the project.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The scandal surrounding the Sheesh Mahal has not gone unnoticed by the political establishment, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a swipe at Arvind Kejriwal during a recent event in Delhi. In response, Kejriwal defended himself, pointing fingers at Modi’s own extravagant expenses. The ongoing war of words between the two leaders has only served to highlight the larger issue of accountability and transparency in public expenditure.
As the public grapples with the shocking revelations of the Sheesh Mahal scandal, one thing remains clear – the need for greater oversight and scrutiny of government spending to ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly and ethically. The fallout from this controversy is likely to have far-reaching implications for both Arvind Kejriwal and the political landscape in Delhi.
