Kejriwal’s Lavish ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Criticized as Waste: Delhi CM
Delhi CM vows to recover funds from controversial bungalow.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday branded the “Sheesh Mahal,” the former official residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, as a “white elephant” that squandered public funds. Speaking at the Aadhar Infra Confluence 2025 hosted by Panchjanya, Gupta vowed to ensure that the money “wasted” on the luxurious bungalow is returned to Delhi’s exchequer with interest, sparking fresh debate over the controversial property.
The 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines, dubbed “Sheesh Mahal” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as Kejriwal’s residence from 2015 until he resigned as Delhi’s chief minister in September 2024. The property became a lightning rod for criticism due to allegations of extravagant renovations, with high-end interiors and household goods reportedly driving up costs. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) pegged the reconstruction cost at Rs 33.86 crore by 2022, though BJP leaders claim the actual expenditure soared to Rs 75-80 crore.
“It’s painful to see such wastage of public resources on the Sheesh Mahal,” Gupta remarked, accusing Kejriwal of misusing taxpayers’ money. She noted that the Delhi government is still deliberating on the bungalow’s future, as it remains unused and a burden on state resources. The term “white elephant” underscores the property’s perceived lack of utility despite its hefty price tag.
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The controversy has reignited political tensions, with the BJP intensifying its attack on AAP’s governance. Critics argue that the lavish spending reflects misplaced priorities in a city grappling with infrastructure and service challenges. Gupta’s pledge to recover the funds signals a push for accountability, though details on how this will be achieved remain unclear. The issue is likely to fuel further political sparring as Delhi gears up for upcoming elections, with the Sheesh Mahal saga casting a long shadow over AAP’s legacy.
