Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma announced that an investigation will be initiated to probe the allegations of misuse of public funds for the renovation of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, aka ‘Sheesh Mahal.’ He charged the previous AAP government with neglecting essential infrastructure while spending lavishly on the CM’s bungalow.
In a conversation with the PTI, Parvesh Verma said, “The lavish Chief Minister’s office, built three years ago under the AAP government, will be investigated to determine how much money was spent on its reconstruction and on what basis officials granted permission for such expenses.”
The bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road, which served as Kejriwal’s residence during his tenure, will be examined to assess the total government expenditure on its renovation. Verma, who defeated Kejriwal in the February 5 assembly elections from the New Delhi seat, emphasized that accountability for the financial decisions made under the AAP administration must be established.
While in the Defense Colony, he also reviewed the ongoing infrastructure projects with senior officials of the department. He took stock of a damaged culvert (‘puliya’) lying unrepaired for the past two years, much to the detriment of vehicular movements that have caused extreme traffic jams in the area. He directed officials to expedite the tender process and assured residents that repair work would commence by April.
Highlighting the importance of the route, Parvesh Verma remarked, “This road leads to Barapullah and serves as a vital corridor for commuters. Due to the previous government’s negligence, the cost of the Barapullah project has doubled from its original sanction.”
Criticizing the former administration, he added that over the past ten years, no minister from Kejriwal’s cabinet had visited the site to monitor its progress. He accused the AAP government of prioritizing luxury expenditures over essential infrastructure needs and pledged to ensure better governance under the new administration.
The BJP, which dethroned the AAP earlier this month, has been vocal about alleged financial mismanagement under Kejriwal’s leadership. The latest controversy around ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has generated more political tensions, with the new government promising to investigate all cases of illegal use of public funds.