BJP escalates attack over alleged bungalow renovation irregularities, AAP hits back citing transparency and PM residence comparison
New Delhi: The political battle in the national capital intensified after Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of misusing public funds in the controversial “Sheesh Mahal” bungalow renovation case.
In a nearly 15-minute video shared online, Verma toured the official residence located at 6 Flagstaff Road, which served as Kejriwal’s residence from 2015 to 2024, highlighting what he described as extravagant and costly interiors.
‘Dhurandhar’ Reference Sparks Controversy
The minister compared Kejriwal to “Rehman Dakait,” a fictional gangster character from the film Dhurandhar, intensifying the political rhetoric.
“Arvind Kejriwal was like Rehman Dakait, who robbed public wealth,” Verma said, referring to the alleged spending on the residence.
The bungalow has been dubbed “Sheesh Mahal” by BJP leaders, who allege corruption in its renovation.
Luxury Features Under Scrutiny
In the video, Verma pointed out several high-end installations, claiming excessive expenditure:
- Automatic sliding doors and curtains worth ₹90 lakh
- Glass-covered roofing
- Two fully equipped kitchens
- Imported Belgian crockery
- Fitness equipment sourced from the United States
- A food lift system
- A 14-seater dining table
He alleged that the total cost of the bungalow reached ₹80 crore, though official records present different figures.
CAG Report Flags Irregularities
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, tabled in the Delhi Assembly, highlighted irregularities in the renovation, stating that the project cost ₹33.66 crore against an initial estimate of around ₹8 crore.
The issue gained further traction during a heated Assembly debate, where Verma reiterated his allegations.
AAP Hits Back, Raises Counter Questions
The Aam Aadmi Party strongly rejected the accusations, accusing the BJP of political targeting.
Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj countered:
“Every detail of the CM residence is in the public domain, while details of the Prime Minister’s residence have been kept secret.”
AAP also pointed out that the renovation coincided with the construction of the Prime Minister’s residence, questioning selective criticism.
‘Sheesh Mahal’ Row a Key Election Issue
The controversy emerged as a major political flashpoint during the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, with BJP using it as a key campaign issue. Analysts believe the narrative contributed significantly to AAP’s electoral setback.
Political Tensions Escalate
The latest remarks have further escalated tensions between BJP and AAP, with both sides trading allegations over transparency, public spending, and governance ethics.
As the debate intensifies, the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy continues to dominate Delhi’s political discourse.
