The renovation of the official residence of Delhi’s Chief Minister has come under intense scrutiny due to significant escalations in costs and alleged procedural irregularities. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India conducted an audit revealing that the initial estimate for the renovation was ₹7.91 crore. However, upon completion, the expenses had surged to ₹33.66 crore, marking an increase of approximately 342%.
The renovation project, which commenced in 2020, involved extensive upgrades to the property located at 6, Flagstaff Road. The CAG report highlights several high-end purchases made during this period, including an 88-inch OLED television priced at ₹28.9 lakh, ten additional OLED TVs totaling ₹43.9 lakh, a refrigerator costing ₹3.2 lakh, and a microwave oven valued at ₹1.8 lakh. Furthermore, luxury amenities such as a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa were installed at an expense of ₹19.5 lakh.
The report also points out that the Public Works Department (PWD) undertook the construction of seven servant quarters, which alone accounted for ₹19.8 crore of the total expenditure. This addition significantly contributed to the overall cost escalation.
A notable concern raised by the CAG is the lack of comprehensive documentation provided by the PWD. The audit mentions that despite multiple requests, complete records were not furnished, hindering the verification of the authenticity of the expenditures. This absence of transparency has raised questions about the adherence to standard procurement and financial protocols during the renovation process.
The political ramifications of these findings have been significant, especially with the Delhi Assembly elections on the horizon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent rally, criticized the expenditure, referring to the renovated residence as a “Sheesh Mahal” and contrasting it with his government’s efforts to provide housing for millions of citizens. He emphasized that while the public faced hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, such lavish spending on a single residence was unjustifiable.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has defended the expenditures, stating that the renovations were necessary due to the dilapidated condition of the existing structure, which was originally built in 1942-43. The PWD had recommended the demolition of the old building, citing its age and structural concerns, and proposed the construction of a new residence to meet the functional requirements of the Chief Minister’s office and residence.
The AAP has also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicizing the issue ahead of the elections, suggesting that the timing of the report’s release is intended to divert attention from other pressing matters. They argue that the official residence is a state asset, intended for use by successive chief ministers, and not a personal property.
The controversy has intensified with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) initiating a probe into the alleged irregularities associated with the renovation. The CVC has directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct a detailed investigation into potential violations of building norms and financial mismanagement during the project’s execution.
As the investigation progresses, the situation continues to evolve, with both political and legal implications. The outcome of the probe and subsequent actions are likely to influence public opinion and could have a bearing on the forthcoming electoral process in Delhi.
