Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’
NEW DELHI: The BJP-led Delhi government, which plans to convert former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s “Sheesh Mahal” into a state guest house, may rope in a private hospitality firm to operate and maintain the bungalow, minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Thursday.Also Read | Ex-Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ may be converted into state guest house: ReportThe BJP coined the term “Sheesh Mahal” in 2022, when it was in the opposition, to describe bungalow No. 6 on Flagstaff Road — Kejriwal’s official residence as chief minister — over what it alleged were extravagant and controversial renovations carried out at the property.”We may approach a reputed hospitality chain to run the guest house and generate revenue for the government,” Singh, who defeated Kejriwal in the AAP national convenor’s New Delhi constituency in the February 2025 Delhi assembly elections, said.The BJP leader further stated that the bungalow would, like other state guest houses, accommodate travelling ministers and government officials for a fee.He added that the remaining portion of the camp office could be used for official events.”A portion of the building will be developed to host seminars, dinners and meetings, for which we currently have to rent space in private hotels. The final approval to the proposal is yet to be given by higher authorities,” Singh noted. At present, around 10 staff members are deployed to maintain the bungalow, carrying out daily sweeping and cleaning, besides operating electrical appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners.The Delhi government has floated several proposals in recent months to repurpose the Flagstaff Road residence, which came under intense scrutiny over its alleged lavish renovation during Kejriwal’s tenure.In 2022, the erstwhile AAP-led Delhi government’s vigilance department initiated an inquiry at the direction of then-lieutenant governor VK Saxena into alleged irregularities and cost escalation in the Public Works Department’s renovation of the residence.The matter is currently being probed by the CBI following a complaint filed by then leader of opposition and current Delhi assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who wrote to Saxena in December 2024 alleging irregularities.(With PTI inputs)
