The Delhi Legislative Assembly witnessed intense political exchanges as leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) clashed over alleged expenditure on the former chief minister’s official residence.
The controversy centers on renovation costs at 6, Flagstaff Road, previously occupied by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. BJP leader and Delhi minister Parvesh Verma led a dramatic protest inside the Assembly, presenting a long roll of receipts to highlight what he described as excessive public spending.
During the session, Verma compared the alleged expenditure to a “Rehman Dakait” scenario, accusing the former administration of misusing public funds. BJP leaders have repeatedly referred to the residence as “Sheesh Mahal” to underline claims of extravagance.
CAG Report Sparks Political Confrontation
The developments follow the tabling of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which examined the costs associated with the renovation and construction of the residence. The report was discussed during the ongoing budget session and has now been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for further review.
According to BJP leaders, the project’s cost reportedly escalated from ₹7 crore to ₹58 crore. Verma alleged that the expenditure included high-end furnishings such as sofas, beds, tables, and other interior items, questioning the timing of such spending during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed the Assembly, stating that the findings pointed to “serious financial irregularities” and warranted detailed scrutiny.
AAP Responds with Counter-Allegations
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of political theatrics. Party representatives argued that similar scrutiny should be applied to expenditures by the central government, including high-value projects.
An AAP spokesperson highlighted what they described as inconsistencies, stating that criticism over the residence costs was selective. The party also called for transparency regarding other government expenditures, including large-scale infrastructure and official residences.
What Happens Next
The issue has now been formally referred to the Public Accounts Committee, which will conduct a detailed investigation into the findings of the CAG report. The outcome is expected to play a significant role in shaping political discourse in the capital ahead of future electoral contests.
