BJP's Parvesh Verma Urges Delhi CM Atishi to Open 'Sheesh Mahal' for Public Viewing

New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Adding excitement to the Delhi Assembly election campaign, BJP candidate for the New Delhi Assembly seat, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, has formally requested Chief Minister Atishi to allow public access to 'Sheesh Mahal'—the disputed official residence of former CM Arvind Kejriwal—to promote transparency.

This correspondence coincided with a similar appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public rally on Sunday, where he advocated for public access to 'Sheesh Mahal', labeling it as an example of the AAP's significant corruption.

“Sheesh Mahal stands as a prime illustration of the dishonesty exhibited by AAP leaders,” stated PM Modi.

Earlier, Verma sought permission for the public to visit 'Sheesh Mahal' from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., asserting, "I wish to highlight that during the administration of former Chief Minister and AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the official residence was lavishly furnished and presented in a magnificent manner. It has become widely known as 'Sheesh Mahal' among the general populace."

The constituents of the New Delhi Assembly, who have elected Kejriwal as their MLA for three consecutive terms, are eager to view this structure, he remarked.

"This building has evolved into a significant emblem of the governance and administrative history of Delhi. The public is keen to see how the space where their elected representative served appears,” Verma continued.

As he prepares for the upcoming Assembly election against Kejriwal, Verma emphasized in his letter that permitting public tours of the renovated CM residence would bolster transparency.

"This initiative will not only fulfill the public's expectations but will also fortify transparency and trust between the government and its citizens. I am confident that you will view this proposal favorably and reach a decision promptly," he added.

'Sheesh Mahal' has been a topic of discussion ever since the BJP decided to spotlight the alleged corruption within the AAP government as a major election issue.

Previously, during his address, PM Modi referenced a news article detailing the extravagant spending associated with 'Sheesh Mahal', urging the CAG to take notice.

The CAG report indicated a three-fold increase in the projected expenses for renovating Kejriwal's official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road, North Delhi. Originally estimated at Rs 8.6 crore in 2020, the Public Works Department ultimately expended Rs 33 crore by 2022.

The CAG report for the financial year ending March 2022 also revealed that the built-up area of the property expanded by nearly 36 percent to 1,905 square meters.

Among the extravagant expenditures cited by the CAG were Rs 66 lakh for wall marble, Rs 39 lakh on kitchen equipment, Rs 20 lakh on a TV console, Rs 16 lakh for a silk carpet, Rs 18 lakh on treadmill and gym apparatus, and Rs 14 lakh for floor tiles.