The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered a thorough investigation into alleged financial and regulatory irregularities in the renovation of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence at 6 Flagstaff Bungalow. The probe, directed on February 13, follows allegations that building norms were violated to construct a lavish mansion spanning 40,000 square yards (8 acres), now dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal’.
The CVC has tasked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) with conducting a detailed inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds and violations of construction regulations.
BJP Leader Vijender Gupta’s Complaint Triggers Probe
The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on October 14, 2024. Gupta accused Kejriwal of illegally merging government properties, including Plot Nos. 45 and 47 on Rajpur Road and two bungalows (8-A & 8-B, Flagstaff Road), into a single complex. The complaint alleged that the construction violated Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms and proceeded without layout plan approvals.
On October 16, 2024, the CVC formally registered the complaint and, a month later in November, forwarded it to the CPWD for further scrutiny.
#WATCH | Delhi | On CVC ordered a probe into 6 Flagstaff Bungalow (Residence of former CM Arvind Kejriwal) renovations, BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, “… I am shocked to know that the area of the Bungalow is 8 acres. Arvind Kejriwal needed an 8-acre house to live in… I… https://t.co/lPVYnEeIoJ pic.twitter.com/hH0Y7250Bf
— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2025
Extravagant Spending Under Scrutiny
The row further escalated when Vijender Gupta filed a second complaint on October 21, 2024, to the Vigilance Commission, stating that Kejriwal wasted crores of taxpayers’ funds on lavish upgrades. He accused the ex-CM of excessive splurging beyond reasonable spending thresholds.
Taking note of these allegations, the CVC acknowledged the seriousness of the matter on November 5. Subsequently, on December 5, the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of CPWD submitted a factual report to the CVC, prompting the Commission to launch a full-scale investigation.
BJP Demands LG Saxena to Reverse Property Merger
Following the probe’s initiation, newly elected BJP MLA Vijender Gupta wrote to Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, urging him to cancel the merger of four government properties with Kejriwal’s residence. Gupta alleged that Kejriwal had transformed the property into an ultra-luxurious complex spanning over 50,000 square meters through unauthorized annexations.
Political Battle Over Social Media Handle
At the same time, a new controversy broke out over the rebranding of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) social media handle on platform X. The Delhi government sent a letter to the platform seeking the return of the ‘@CMODelhi’ handle, which had been rebranded as ‘@KejriwalAtWork’, reportedly on AAP leaders’ orders.
The BJP blamed acting CM Atishi for masterminding the switch, with Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claiming that AAP leaders illegally converted an official government account into Kejriwal’s personal handle.
The case continues to fuel the political war between AAP and BJP, adding to the increasing scrutiny of Kejriwal’s rule as Delhi’s Chief Minister.
