The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities in the renovation and luxury additions to 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the former residence of ex-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The CVC has directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct an in-depth probe following allegations that building norms were violated to construct a lavish mansion, dubbed ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ sprawling across 40,000 square yards (8 acres). The investigation was ordered on February 13 after the CPWD submitted a factual report based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta.
Gupta had lodged the complaint on October 14, 2024, accusing Kejriwal of illegally merging multiple government properties—Plot Nos. 45 and 47 on Rajpur Road, which previously housed senior officers and judges in Type-V flats, along with two bungalows (8-A & 8-B, Flag Staff Road)—into the new residence. The complaint alleged that this merger violated ground coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) norms and lacked proper layout plan approvals.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has urged Lt Governor VK Saxena to annul the merger of these four government properties with the 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow. In a letter to the Governor, Sachdeva claimed that the expansion was unauthorized and asserted that a newly elected BJP government would ensure the bungalow is not occupied by the next Chief Minister.
“All scams of Arvind Kejriwal will be unearthed. No one will be spared,” Sachdeva said, adding that the BJP government would bring “some good news” in the coming days.
BJP leader Satish Upadhyay echoed similar concerns, stating, “All rules were violated while building the ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ and this seems to be a big case of corruption. The truth should come out in front of the people.”
The controversy gained momentum after a Public Works Department (PWD) report, released in October 2024, exposed extravagant renovations and high-end installations at the residence. This revelation provided fresh ammunition to the BJP, which made corruption a central theme of its campaign for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have dismissed the allegations, calling them “politically motivated.” However, the BJP successfully leveraged the issue in its campaign and emerged victorious in the recently concluded city elections, securing 48 out of 70 assembly seats, while AAP suffered a significant setback, winning only 22 seats.
The former CM vacated the bungalow in October 2024 after resigning from office amid mounting political pressure. With the CVC probe now underway, the controversy over the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ is set to remain a focal point in Delhi’s political landscape.
