NEW DELHI: The CAG report on the renovation of former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road dominated Delhi Assembly proceedings on Wednesday, with chief minister Rekha Gupta terming it a “document of moral decline” and calling for strict action against those found guilty. The House unanimously approved her proposal to refer the matter to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for further investigation.The CAG report tabled Monday had stated the residence – often called ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by BJP as a dig at AAP — was completed with Rs 33.6 crore, 342% above the estimated cost.PWD minister Parvesh Verma started the discussion in the House, stating “Sheesh Mahal is not one, but two” and claiming an additional structure over nearly 4,000 square yards was being built alongside the main residence and remained incomplete. About Rs 25 crore had already been spent on it, with the total expected to go up to Rs 60 crore, he said.The discussion took place when no AAP MLA was present inside the assembly. The party has boycotted the budget session.Citing the report, Verma said the initial tender was Rs 7.9 crore and was increased in multiple stages. The same contractor continued to get the work, he added, alleging the tender process was structured accordingly. He said during the pandemic, the project was given priority and files related to it were marked “most urgent”. Targeting AAP and Kejriwal, he said commitments made earlier regarding govt facilities were not followed. He also stated that trees were cut and existing structures at the site were demolished.Gupta also attacked AAP, saying those who built a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ in Delhi have now moved into what she described as a ‘Sheesh Mahal-2’ in Punjab. She accused Kejriwal of behaving like an “emperor”, claiming he saw himself as a ruler while treating the people of Delhi as subjects.CM alleged at a time when Delhi needed investment in roads, flyovers and core infrastructure, the AAP-led govt was focused on creating ‘world-class’ interiors for official residences. “The promise of simplicity remained only a slogan, while the reality reflected a culture of extravagance,” she said.Gupta alleged the residence was neither opened to the public nor used for public hearings, adding that ordinary citizens had no access. What about details of PM’s residence, AAP hits backResponding to BJP’s comments on the so-called Sheesh Mahal, an AAP functionary said, “During the period when the official residence of the Delhi CM was being renovated, the PM’s residence was also being built. Yet, every detail of the CM’s residence is in the public domain, while every detail of the PM’s residence has been kept secret. How is this justified? When will this country have an honest discussion about its expenditure.” He added: “We are ready for a fair debate. But there cannot be a selective debate targeting only one residence. We have been saying this for the last two years, and we are reiterating it now.”AAP further said that “those planning to buy a VVIP boat for Rs 6.2 crore – a reference to reports on Delhi govt’s initiating the process to procure two air-conditioned boats for the Yamuna’s inspection – cannot question a Rs 30-crore CM residence”.
