Delhi Assembly: BJP Government to Present CAG Reports on AAP's 'Financial Irregularities' Today

New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) The BJP-led administration is set to present 14 outstanding Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, concentrating on the financial and procedural discrepancies of the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration.

Among the significant findings, one report has indicated serious issues surrounding the extensive renovations of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence at 6 Flag Staff Road, which has been mockingly termed 'Sheesh Mahal' by the BJP.

Initially approved in 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 7.61 crore, the renovation expenses reportedly skyrocketed to Rs 33.66 crore by April 2022, reflecting an astonishing 342 percent increase, according to sources.

The audit allegedly uncovered substantial irregularities in the planning and execution stages of the project.

BJP officials have been particularly vocal regarding the dramatic rise in costs. The Public Works Department (PWD) initially prepared a preliminary estimate of Rs 7.91 crore, based on the Plinth Area Rates as defined by the Central Public Works Department.

However, the final contract for the project was granted at Rs 8.62 crore—already 13.21 percent higher than the original estimate. In spite of this, the total expenditure allegedly surged to Rs 33.66 crore, far surpassing the approved budget.

Moreover, the report reportedly highlights questionable methods in the tendering and consultancy processes, with sources stating that the PWD failed to justify the selection of the three consultancy firms engaged through restricted bidding.

The consultancy fees, initially calculated using outdated rates, were reportedly raised arbitrarily by 50 percent, according to the audit.

The choice of contractors has also been called into question, with sources indicating that only one contractor among those shortlisted had the necessary qualifications for the task, raising concerns about the transparency of the bidding procedure.

Another major finding relates to the significant alterations made during the execution of the project. The CAG report indicates that the built-up area of the residence expanded by 36 percent—from 1,397 sq.m. to 1,905 sq.m.

Furthermore, the scope of work was modified to include high-end features such as antique and ornamental elements, greatly inflating costs.

According to sources, a staggering Rs 18.88 crore was spent exclusively on these luxury enhancements.

The audit also claims that the PWD did not consider issuing new tenders for the additional work and instead continued awarding contracts to the same contractor, leading to unchecked cost increases. The report states that works valued at Rs 25.80 crore were conducted without obtaining proper approvals.

Another area of concern noted in the report relates to the renovations of the Chief Minister's staff block and camp office.

Initially estimated at Rs 18.37 crore, the project was awarded for Rs 16.54 crore through restricted tendering.

However, sources indicate that the audit uncovers a misallocation of resources. The staff block, which was part of the original project, was never constructed as intended. Instead, funds were allegedly redirected towards building seven servant quarters at a completely different site, which was unrelated to the sanctioned project.

The report raises serious questions about the financial integrity and procedural transparency surrounding the renovations, prompting BJP leaders to demand accountability for the massive cost overruns and alleged procedural violations.