Delhi Lieutenant Governor orders probe into ₹44.78 crore spent on Arvind Kejriwal’s house renovation
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, Anil Baijal, has ordered an investigation into the ₹44.78 crore ($6 million) spent on the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. The decision was made following a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into allegations of irregularities in the renovation process.
The CBI had received a complaint alleging that the renovation work at the chief minister’s house was carried out without the required approvals and clearances from relevant authorities. The complaint also stated that the renovation work was done at a highly inflated cost, with several items being purchased at prices much higher than the market rates.
The renovation work, which began in 2019, included the construction of a new floor, installation of a new elevator, and extensive changes to the interior and exterior of the building. The work was carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government.
The LG’s office has asked the PWD to submit a detailed report on the renovation work, including the cost of materials, labour, and other expenses. The report is expected to be submitted within a week, after which the LG will decide on the next course of action.
The Delhi government has defended the renovation work, saying that it was done to ensure the safety and security of the chief minister and his family. However, the opposition parties have criticized the expenditure, calling it a waste of public money.
The investigation into the renovation work is likely to further strain the already tense relations between the Delhi government and the LG’s office, which have been at odds over several issues in recent years.
