The Central Vigilance Commission has initiated an investigation into renovations at the Flagstaff Bungalow, the former residence of CM Arvind Kejriwal, following a CPWD report alleging violations of building norms for a lavish 40,000 square yard mansion.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has launched an investigation into the renovations of 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the former residence of ex-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. On February 13, the CVC directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct a detailed probe following a factual report submitted by CPWD. The report alleged possible violations of building norms in constructing the mansion, which spans 40,000 square yards. The CVC specifically seeks to investigate claims that “building norms were floated to construct it.”
Allegations and Political Reactions
The bungalow, which served as Kejriwal’s official residence from 2015 until October 2024, came under scrutiny following his resignation amidst corruption allegations leveled by the BJP. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, is yet to respond to the CVC’s directive.
BJP leader Vijender Gupta stated on Saturday that the CVC took cognizance of two complaints he had previously filed and, based on factual reports from the Public Works Department (PWD), ordered a comprehensive investigation.
The BJP has consistently targeted Kejriwal over the past two years, especially during the Assembly election campaign, accusing him of corruption linked to the bungalow’s reconstruction.
The party alleged the renovation included extravagant interiors, expensive fixtures, and unauthorized annexation of adjacent government properties, turning the residence into “an ultra-luxurious ‘Sheesh Mahal.'”
PM Modi’s Jab at Kejriwal’s Lavish Lifestyle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized Kejriwal’s extravagant lifestyle earlier this month. “Kuch netaon ka focus jacuzzi par, stylish shower par rehta hai, lekin humara focus to har ghar jal pe hai,” PM Modi remarked while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha.
His comments were a pointed attack on Kejriwal’s alleged opulence, contrasting it with the government’s agenda to provide basic amenities like water to every household. The controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s bungalow is the latest in a series of political clashes between AAP and the BJP. AAP secured victories in Delhi’s Assembly elections in 2015 and 2020, ending Congress’s 15-year rule under former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The BJP, which ruled Delhi 27 years ago, has since been striving to regain power.
As the probe unfolds, the findings could have significant political and legal ramifications for Kejriwal and AAP. The investigation’s outcome will be crucial in determining whether the alleged violations occurred and whether any legal action will follow.
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