Massive Renovation Costs at Delhi CM’s Residence: CAG Report Sparks Controversy

A recent audit report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised eyebrows regarding the extensive renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Located at 6 Flag Staff Road, the residence underwent significant upgrades, with the costs soaring far beyond initial estimates. According to the report, what began as a renovation project with an estimated cost of Rs 7.91 crore ballooned to an astonishing Rs 33.66 crore upon completion, marking an escalation of over 300%.

One of the most eye-catching changes revealed in the CAG report involves the replacement of basic materials with more expensive options. For instance, a simple vitrified floor tile originally priced at Rs 5.5 lakh was swapped for Italian marble costing Rs 14 lakh—an increase of Rs 9 lakh. Additionally, the wall tiles, initially estimated to cost Rs 20 lakh, were replaced with marble stone valued at Rs 66 lakh. Other items that saw inflated costs include thermostatic shower mixtures, towel racks, and soap holders from premium brands like Jaquar, with the total cost for just these four items alone rising by Rs 54 lakh.

The luxury of the residence doesn’t end there. The audit also uncovered extravagant spending on high-end appliances, including an 88-inch voice-controlled OLED TV worth Rs 28.91 lakh, three 77-inch TVs valued at Rs 20.71 lakh each, and a 55-inch TV priced at Rs 55 lakh. Other luxury items included two 73-litre steam ovens costing Rs 6.5 lakh each, a fully automatic washing machine worth nearly Rs 2 lakh, and a minibar priced at Rs 4.8 lakh.

The CAG report further highlighted several other lavish expenditures, such as Rs 96 lakh spent on curtains, Rs 73 lakh on LED TVs, and Rs 50 lakh on LED lighting. The residence also features designer carpets worth Rs 50 lakh, a gym with equipment valued at Rs 18.52 lakh, and expensive steam, sauna, and jacuzzi baths totaling Rs 19.55 lakh. The installation of lifts, modular kitchens, and high-end wardrobes in various rooms added significantly to the costs, with the master bedroom wardrobe alone costing Rs 7.69 lakh.

Among the other luxury items highlighted in the report were marble flooring worth Rs 79.85 lakh and factory-made designer railings valued at Rs 38.25 lakh. The project also included high-end staircases, beds, and recliners, pushing the overall renovation costs to extraordinary levels.

The stark difference between the initial estimates and the final expenditure has sparked a political firestorm ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, have pounced on the issue, calling the renovation project a wasteful expenditure. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, who is contesting from New Delhi, criticized Kejriwal’s administration, questioning how the “common man” politician could justify such opulence. He even took a jab at the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from the CM’s office, saying it was now clear why it was replaced.

In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dismissed these allegations as politically motivated distractions in the run-up to the elections, with the ruling party insisting that the charges were merely an attempt to deflect attention from their work.

As this controversy unfolds, the CAG report continues to fuel debate over the use of public funds for such lavish renovations. While the Delhi CM’s office has defended the choices made, the opposition remains adamant that such exorbitant spending cannot be justified, particularly when many residents of the capital struggle with basic amenities. The debate surrounding the renovation of Kejriwal’s residence is set to remain a hot topic in the weeks leading up to the Delhi Assembly elections.

News by Prime Time Today