BJP's Pravesh Verma Appeals to Delhi CM Atishi to Open 'Sheesh Mahal' for Public Viewing
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New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Adding excitement to the Delhi Assembly election race, BJP candidate Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma has formally requested Chief Minister Atishi to allow public access to 'Sheesh Mahal', the contentious official residence of ex-CM Arvind Kejriwal, thereby promoting transparency.
His correspondence closely followed a similar appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public rally on Sunday, where he advocated for public access to 'Sheesh Mahal', which he claimed was emblematic of the AAP’s corruption.
“Sheesh Mahal stands as a prime example of the dishonesty of AAP leaders,” stated PM Modi.
In his letter, Verma requested that the Sheesh Mahal be open for public visits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., emphasizing, "I wish to draw your attention to the fact that under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the official residence was lavishly furnished and given an impressive appearance. It has gained popularity as 'Sheesh Mahal' among the general populace."
He noted that the residents of the New Delhi Assembly constituency, who elected Kejriwal for three consecutive terms, are eager to view this building.
"This structure has evolved into a significant emblem of Delhi's governance and administrative history. The public has a right to see how their elected representative’s residence appears," he added.
Verma, contesting against Kejriwal in the forthcoming Assembly elections, argued that permitting public access to the renovated CM residence would promote transparency.
"This action would not only fulfill public expectations but also bolster trust between the government and its citizens. I am confident that you will regard this proposal favorably and make a timely decision," he expressed.
The 'Sheesh Mahal' has been a focal point of discussion ever since the BJP opted to address the alleged corruption within the AAP government as a campaign issue.
Previously, PM Modi highlighted a news report during his address that detailed the extravagant expenditures related to 'Sheesh Mahal', drawing the attention of the CAG.
According to the CAG's report, there was a three-fold surge in the projected expenses for renovating Kejriwal's official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road, in north Delhi. What began as an estimated cost of Rs 8.6 crore in 2020 ballooned to Rs 33 crore by 2022.
The CAG report for the financial year ending March 2022 also pointed out that the built-up area of the residence expanded by nearly 36 percent to 1,905 square meters.
The unnecessary expenses outlined by the CAG include Rs 66 lakh for wall marble, Rs 39 lakh for kitchen equipment, Rs 20 lakh for a TV console, Rs 16 lakh for a silk carpet, Rs 18 lakh for a treadmill and gym equipment, and Rs 14 lakh for floor tiles.
