The BJP on Monday hit out at AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal over the recent CAG report, flagging financial irregularities in the CM residence. Reportedly, according to the CAG report, the cost of renovation of the CM residence, escalated from the initial estimate of Rs 7.91 crore to Rs 33.66 crores in 2022. As per the report, the renovation work which started in 2020, includes expenditure on several luxury items.
For example, 88-inch OLED TV costing Rs 28.9 lakh, jacuzzi, sauna and spa facilities priced at Rs 19.8 crore. A high-end refrigerator worth Rs 3.2 lakhs, Rs 18.52 lakh on gym equipment, Rs 16.27 lakh on silk carpets, and Rs 4.8 lakh on a minibar. The renovation work also included seven servant quarter, costing an additional Rs. 19.8 crore. The CAG report also pointed out “doubtful” selection of consultants and inclusion of items with higher specification than approved.
BJP Slams Arvind Kejriwal
While addressing a press conference, the BJP national spokesperson, Sambit Patra slammed Arvind Kejriwal. He said, “As per the CAG report, on 17th March 2020, the PWD of Delhi gave a proposal that Arvind Kejriwal’s residence had to be remodelled. PWD proposed to demolish the building and add one storey. Surprisingly, in just one day, the proposal of the PWD was accepted. The remodelling was estimated at Rs 7.61 crore. But the tender came out for Rs 8.62 crore which means the tender cost was higher by 13.21%…This work was completed in 2022 at a cost of Rs 33.66 crore. That is, the cost was 342.31% more than the estimated amount. Such a big scam was committed for Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheeshmahal’…The CAG raised questions on the tendering process.”
#WATCH | Delhi | BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "…As per the CAG report, on 17th March 2020, the PWD of Delhi gave a proposal that Arvind Kejriwal's residence had to be remodelled. PWD proposed to demolish the building and add one storey. Surprisingly, in just one day, the proposal… pic.twitter.com/nYkJiF3cjj
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
‘Advertisement Baba..’
Continuing further Sambit Patra called out Arvind Kejriwal as the “Advertisement baba.” He said, “Arvind Kejriwal should be called ‘Advertisement Baba’ from today onwards. The government of Delhi spent a total of Rs 54 crore for the scheme ‘Business Blasters’. However, the advertisement of the scheme cost Rs 80 crore.” He added, “The CAG mentioned that the expenditure for the advertisement of the scheme was 1.5 times the expenditure of the scheme. In another scheme, Rs 1.9 crore were invested. However, the expenditure of the advertisement was Rs 27.9 crore.”
#WATCH | Delhi | BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "Arvind Kejriwal should be called 'Advertisement Baba' from today onwards…The government of Delhi spent a total of Rs 54 crore for the scheme 'Business Blasters'. However, the advertisement of the scheme cost Rs 80 crore. The CAG… pic.twitter.com/Td501pEDWm
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025