NEW DELHI: Amid a row over crores of rupees spent on renovating Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, L-G VK Saxena has ordered officials to secure the records of expenditure and sought a report on the matter within 15 days.
AAP leaders have defended Kejriwal citing expenses on the residences of the prime minister and the chief ministers of BJP-ruled states.
The BJP has been attacking Kejriwal and AAP, claiming Rs 45 crore was spent on the renovation of the chief minister’s residence 6, Flagstaff Road during 2020-22.
A Raj Niwas order issued on April 27 cited reports on alleged “gross irregularities” in the renovation of the residence by the PWD.
“Lt Governor, while taking note of these media reports and keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue, has desired that all relevant records in this matter be immediately secured and taken into protective custody. Subsequently, after the records are examined, a factual report in the matter be submitted within 15 days for the perusal of the Lieutenant Governor,” said the order issued to the chief secretary of the Delhi government.
Documents provided by sources showed that Rs 44.78 crore against a sanctioned amount of Rs 43.70 crore was spent on the ‘addition/alternation’ of the Delhi CM’s official residence. The amount was spent in six trenches between September 2020 to June 2022, the documents showed.
The total expenditure included Rs 11.30 crore on interior decoration, Rs 6.02 crore on stone and marble flooring, Rs 1 crore on interior consultancy, Rs 2.58 crore on electrical fittings and appliances and Rs 1.41 crore on wardrobe and accessories fitting.