Delhi BJP leaders protest over ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy, questions Kejriwal's lavish bungalow furnishings
Party leader Virendra Sachdeva asks whether funding for lavish furnishings came from Punjab Government, alleged liquor scam or Delhi Jal Board funds
Kejriwal Sheesh Mahal controversy: Members of the Delhi BJP, led by state president Virendra Sachdeva, staged a protest on Thursday outside former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence over allegations of extravagant spending on AAP convernor's former bungalow, dubbed 'Sheesh Mahal', raising questions about its lavish furnishings.
The controversy gained traction after an inventory list revealed luxurious additions, including gold-plated fixtures, premium furniture, and costly decorations, far exceeding the items supplied by the Public Works Department (PWD). Addressing the media, BJP state chief Virendra Sachdeva alleged that PWD records did not account for these extravagant items, sparking speculation about their origin.
Virendra Sachdeva asked whether the funding for the lavish furnishings came from the Punjab Government, the alleged liquor scam, or Delhi Jal Board funds. He pointed to PWD documents showing that only basic furnishings were provided when Arvind Kejriwal moved into the bungalow in 2022. However, an inventory taken after Kejriwal vacated the residence in 2024 reportedly revealed expensive chandeliers, carpets worth over Rs 50 lakh, luxurious toilet seats, premium wash basins, and high-end electronics.
Sachdeva said a one-page item allocation list was prepared by the PWD in 2022, but the updated inventory in 2024 spanned eight pages, indicating substantial additions. He further cited a purported letter from a PWD official confirming that no new items were provided by the department after April 2022.
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta has urged the Lieutenant Governor to initiate a high-level investigation into the matter, questioning the source of the allegedly unauthorised expenditures.
AAP denies allegations
On the other hand, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dismissed the BJP’s claims as baseless, accusing them of attempting to tarnish Kejriwal’s image. In a statement, the party said the BJP had targeted its leaders with numerous investigations and charges, yet failed to uncover any evidence of corruption.
AAP highlighted Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to vacate the official residence in compliance with constitutional norms, contrasting it with leaders who cling to government privileges for years. “The people of Delhi see through the BJP’s tactics, and the ‘Kejriwal model’ continues to gain widespread support,” the statement added.