The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged financial and regulatory irregularities surrounding the renovation of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence at 6 Flagstaff Bungalow. This investigation, which was initiated on February 13, follows serious allegations that building norms were violated to construct a lavish mansion spanning 40,000 square yards (8 acres), now known as 'Sheesh Mahal'.

The CVC has directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter, focusing on potential misuse of public funds and violations of building regulations. The investigation comes after the BJP leader Vijender Gupta's complaint, which served as the trigger for this probe.

BJP Leader Vijender Gupta’s Complaint Sparks Investigation

The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on October 14, 2024. Gupta alleged that Arvind Kejriwal had flouted construction norms and misused government resources in the renovation of his official residence.

Gupta's complaint specifically highlighted several points of concern:

• The demolition and merging of government properties, including Plot Nos. 45 and 47 on Rajpur Road and two bungalows (8-A & 8-B, Flagstaff Road), to create the new residence.
• The alleged violation of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms, which determines the amount of construction permitted on a given plot of land.
• The lack of layout plan approvals, which is essential for any construction project to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

On October 16, 2024, the CVC officially registered the complaint for further examination and, in November 2024, forwarded it to the CPWD for a detailed investigation.

Extravagant Spending under Scrutiny

The controversy surrounding the renovation intensified on October 21, 2024, when Vijender Gupta lodged another complaint with the Vigilance Commission, alleging that the renovation and interior decoration of Kejriwal’s official residence involved extravagant spending.

Gupta accused Kejriwal of misusing crores of taxpayers’ money to create luxurious amenities in the residence, far exceeding what could be considered reasonable expenditure. The allegations raised serious concerns about potential corruption in the use of public funds for personal luxuries, sparking a political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP.

CPWD’s Factual Report Submitted to CVC

Taking the allegations seriously, the CVC acknowledged the gravity of the situation and began closely monitoring the case. On November 5, 2024, the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of CPWD submitted a factual report on the issue to the CVC. The report outlined key details related to the allegations, laying the groundwork for the investigation’s next steps.

The CVC has assured that once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. The probe will primarily focus on determining whether public funds were misused and whether the construction and renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence violated any government regulations.

Political Ramifications

The investigation into the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence has intensified the already heated political battle between AAP and BJP. The allegations of corruption have added fuel to the fire, with BJP leaders accusing Kejriwal of misusing his position for personal gain. Meanwhile, the AAP has denied the charges and has insisted that the investigation is politically motivated.

This development has also raised questions about the use of public funds for government officials’ residences, and whether the renovation and construction projects related to high-ranking officials are subject to proper scrutiny.

CVC’s Role in Investigating Public Funds Misuse

The Central Vigilance Commission has a key role in ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently. The ongoing investigation into the Kejriwal residence case underscores the CVC’s commitment to investigating cases where government resources may have been misused. This case highlights the importance of upholding regulatory norms and ensuring that public money is spent for its intended purpose.

Conclusion

The CVC's investigation into the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal’s residence is a significant development that has added to the growing scrutiny of the former Delhi CM's tenure. With allegations of financial irregularities, regulatory violations, and misuse of public funds, the probe is set to play a crucial role in determining whether there was any wrongdoing in the construction and renovation of the 40,000 square yard mansion.

As the CPWD’s investigation progresses, the outcome of this probe could have significant political implications, especially with Assembly elections in Delhi and national politics heating up. The BJP has already used this issue to accuse the AAP government of corruption, while the AAP insists the allegations are unfounded. The investigation's findings will likely have broader consequences for the political landscape in Delhi.

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