NEW DELHI: The Public Works Department (PWD) has released an inventory list from the “Sheesh Mahal,” located at 6, Flagstaff Road, Delhi, the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This revelation has triggered allegations of a scam, where Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are accused of misusing public funds for personal comfort. The luxurious nature of the renovations and furnishings has raised serious questions about the party’s commitment to its “aam aadmi” (common man) values.
The controversy intensified after Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG), VK Saxena, ordered a report on the matter within 15 days. The AAP responded by labeling the order as undemocratic and unconstitutional, arguing that the LG lacked the authority to initiate such an investigation. Despite AAP’s defence, the opulent details of Kejriwal’s residence have drawn criticism from both political opponents and the public.
There was also controversy around Kejriwal’s house transfer process. Atishi Marlena, the new Chief Minister, received the home at 5 Flagstaff Road from the PWD. After Kejriwal left this Civil Lines home, it became a political hot spot between the AAP and the LG’s office. The luxurious upgrades made to the home have led to accusations that the AAP is misusing public money for its own comfort, undermining its previous stance against VIP culture.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Kejriwal of living in luxury at the public’s expense, describing the situation as a clear misuse of taxpayer funds. They even pointed out that sensor-equipped, fully automatic TOTO smart toilet seats, each worth between ₹10-12 lakh, went missing after Kejriwal vacated the residence. These high-end fittings, designed for personal comfort, are emblematic of the alleged scam involving public money.
Kejriwal’s actions starkly contrast with his earlier promises. In 2013, he famously vowed that neither he nor his ministers would occupy government bungalows, instead opting for smaller government flats. Now, 11 years later, these promises seem like empty political rhetoric, as the lavish furnishings in his former residence suggest a betrayal of his anti-VIP stance.
A complete list of the expensive items found in Arvind Kejriwal’s “Sheesh Mahal” includes the following:
1. 16 Ultra Slim Smart 4K TVs, Voice Controlled—₹64 lakhs
2. Smart LED – Rs 19.5 lakhs
3. Freestanding Luminaire – Rs 9.2 lakhs
4. OSADA Full Body Massage Chair – Rs 4 lakhs
5. Recliner Sofas – Rs 10 lakhs
6. 8 Motorized Recliner Sofas – Rs 10 lakhs
7. Bose Loudspeaker – Rs 4.5 lakhs
8. 2 Smart Refrigerators with inbuilt TV & AI Vision Screen – Rs 9 lakhs
9. 73-litre Steam Oven – Rs 9 lakhs
10. 50-litre Microwave Oven – Rs 6 lakhs
11. 2 Mounted Hoods, 140 cm Stainless Steel Chimney – Rs 6 lakhs
12. BOSCH Series 8 Built-in Coffee Machine – Rs 2.5 lakhs
13. 3 Hot Water Generators (Air to Water Heat Pump – Rs 22.5 lakhs
14. Superior Water Supply and Sanitary Installations – Rs 15 crores
15. LG 12 Kg Front Load Automatic Washing Machine + Dryer – Rs 2.1 lakhs
16. SS Railing, Staircase Covering (Brass, Shower Enclosure, etc) – Rs 1.2 crores
17. 20 Grand Aged Brass Entrance Sconce Outdoor Lights – Rs10 lakhs
18. Wooden & Glass Doors with Automatic Sliding Sensors – Rs 70 lakhs
19. 24 Decorative Pillars – Rs 36 lakhs
20. 80 Window Curtains – Rs 4-5.6 crores
21. Superior Water Supply – Rs 15 crores
This extensive and luxurious list has fueled the political firestorm surrounding the alleged misuse of public funds. The lavish lifestyle associated with Kejriwal’s residence stands in stark contrast to his party’s founding principles, raising concerns about whether AAP is truly representing the interests of the common man or using public money for personal comfort. “Sheesh Mahal” has brought these accusations to the forefront, calling into question the integrity of AAP’s leadership.
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