Kejriwal residence renovation: Delhi CM under CAG scanner, audit to be conducted on alleged irregularities
New Delhi, June 27: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is conducting a "special audit" into the alleged "administrative and financial" irregularities during the renovation of official residence of Dehli Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
According to Lieutenant Governor's office sources, the CAG's special audit move follows a recommendation by the Ministry of Home Affairs after receiving a letter from the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat on May 24, 2023, pointing out the gross financial irregularities, prima facie, reported in the reconstruction of Kejriwal's official residence 'Sheesh Mahal' at 6, Flag Staff Road Civil Lines, Delhi
In his letter, the LG emphasised that these violations or "extravagant expenditure" occurred at the request of "Hon'ble CM Madam," an apparent reference to Kejriwal's wife, amid the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to LG VK Saxena, quoting a report from the Delhi Chief Secretary, the PWD department undertook full-fledged construction/reconstruction of a new building in the name of renovation.
Furthermore, the report claimed that the PWD did not ascertain ownership of the property before beginning construction. The mandatory and pre-required approvals were also not secured from the PWD department's 'Building Committee' till today.
The initial construction cost of Rs 15-20 crore was raised from time to time, and according to the report, a total expenditure of around Rs 53 crore has been spent to date, which is more than three times the initial estimate.
In addition, Kejriwal was accused of violating norms while felling or transplanting trees.
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- ANI
