Launching a scathing attack, CM Gupta alleged that those who built a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ in Delhi have now moved into what she described as a ‘Sheesh Mahal-2’ in Punjab.
CM Rekha Gupta (Photo:SNS)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday, during the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly, tabled a detailed account in the House alleging serious financial irregularities in the construction of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, widely referred to as the ‘Sheesh Mahal’.
Launching a scathing attack on the former chief minister, CM Gupta alleged that those who built a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ in Delhi have now moved into what she described as a ‘Sheesh Mahal-2’ in Punjab. She accused him of behaving like an emperor, claiming that he saw himself as a ruler and treated the people of the national capital as slaves.
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On the Chief Minister’s request, the House referred the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the matter to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities.
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During the discussion, Gupta stressed that the issue was not merely about bricks, furniture, or interiors, but about exposing what she described as a ‘well-planned deception’ that had been hidden for years.
According to CM Gupta, the report also reflects a deeper moral decline, where a leader who projected himself as a representative of the common man allegedly embraced a lifestyle of excess and entitlement.
Questioning Kejriwal’s “common man” image, Gupta pointed out that he had once criticised former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for having 10 air conditioners; however, he himself allegedly built a residence equipped with 50 ACs and 70 fans.
Gupta also flagged concerns over the timing, noting that while Delhi was battling the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of the residence continued.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the property included high-end features such as a lift costing several lakhs to transport food, premium refrigerators, and imported coffee machines. She said as many as six private consultants were hired for different aspects of the project, including interiors, furniture, and landscaping.
Raising questions over the escalation of costs, Gupta asked how the initial estimate of ₹8 crore rose to ₹62 crore, stating that the matter requires an in-depth probe.
Presenting a detailed list, the Chief Minister alleged that the display of extravagance was not limited to Kejriwal alone, and that his associates also misused public funds extensively.
She stated that former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia spent ₹7.5 crore on his residence, while ₹2.33 crore was spent on the renovation of AAP leader Rakhi Birla’s residence. Former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel allegedly spent ₹3.23 crore.
She further claimed that former minister Gopal Rai spent ₹2.55 crore, Satyendar Jain ₹2 crore, and Imran Hussain and Rajendra Pal Gautam ₹3 crore each on upgrading their residences, while party leader and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj spent ₹1 crore of public money on improvements to his residence.
CM Gupta argued that at a time when Delhi needed investment in roads, flyovers, and basic infrastructure, the then government 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,” Gupta alleged.
She also claimed that the residence was never opened to the public and was not used for public hearings, adding that ordinary citizens had no access.
The Chief Minister assured that her government would ensure every rupee of public money is spent on development and called for strict action against those found guilty. The House unanimously approved her proposal to refer the matter to the PAC.
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