Kejriwal Spent 342% Over Approved Budget on Government Bungalow Renovation
CAG Objects to ₹33 Crore Excess on Former Delhi CM's Official Residence Repairs
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Former Education Minister and MLA Pargat Singh stated that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has exposed the self-proclaimed honesty of the AAP and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The CAG has uncovered massive cost escalations in the renovation of Kejriwal's former official residence at 06, Flagstaff Road, Delhi—derisively called 'Sheesh Mahal'.
The audit reveals the project began with an approved allocation of ₹9.59 crore, but the final cost ballooned to ₹33.66 crore—a staggering 342% overrun, amounting to gross misuse of public funds. Pargat Singh demanded a similar CAG probe into the government bungalow constructed for Kejriwal in Punjab, which has featured in media reports with crores spent on it, urging full disclosure to expose further wastage of taxpayer money.
Pargat Singh highlighted how the CAG report details Kejriwal's misuse of public funds. As Chief Minister, he indulged in unprecedented privileges, despite previously decrying VIP culture and refusing government bungalows while living in a modest two-room private home before assuming power. Once in office, power corrupted him, leading to lavish expenditures on luxuries for himself and his family at public expense.
According to the CAG, nearly ₹18.88 crore was squandered on high-end features, artistic, antique, and ornamental items at the 'Sheesh Mahal'. The report flags concerns over unnecessary public fund usage, procedural lapses including ₹9.34 crore in post-facto approvals, and diversion of funds allocated for staff quarters and infrastructure. It underscores major gaps in financial controls and budget adherence.
Political reactions have intensified, with opposition leaders demanding full accountability and detailed clarifications from the Delhi government on expenditures and approvals. These findings have reignited debates on transparency, fiscal discipline, and governance in high-profile state projects, building pressure for stricter scrutiny of public spending and stronger financial oversight mechanisms.