49 mins ago
Delhi Panel Defers Sheesh Mahal Inspection Over Alleged Confidentiality Leak
A Delhi Assembly committee planned to inspect a home once used by Arvind Kejriwal.
The home is sometimes called “Sheesh Mahal.”
The committee postponed the visit because its chairman said private committee information had been leaked.
The committee is checking questions about how much was spent on construction and other items.
It is also examining whether the correct approvals and tender procedures were followed.
The committee will ask Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta for guidance before choosing another date.
The Aam Aadmi Party said the inspection could have challenged what it called BJP claims about the home.
AAP also questioned why masked people allegedly entered the property late at night.
The committee says it will continue its examination after receiving the necessary guidance.
The Delhi Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee deferred its planned inspection of Arvind Kejriwal’s former residence at 6, Flagstaff Road.
PAC chairman Ajay Mahawar alleged that confidential committee proceedings were leaked and given a political colour.
The committee is examining CAG concerns involving construction costs, tendering, additional works and a staff block.
Mahawar said the panel will consult Speaker Vijender Gupta and seek legal advice before setting a new inspection date.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar accused the BJP of avoiding scrutiny and raised questions about masked people allegedly entering the property.
- Who
- The Delhi Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, chaired by BJP MLA Ajay Mahawar, is examining the matter; AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticized the postponement.
- What
- The committee deferred an inspection of Arvind Kejriwal’s former residence and alleged that confidential proceedings had been leaked.
- Where
- The property is at 6, Flagstaff Road, Delhi.
- When
- The inspection was scheduled for today at 3 p.m.; no new date has been set.
- Why
- The committee said it was reviewing CAG observations about construction, expenditure, approvals and tendering, while its chairman also cited an alleged confidentiality breach.
Public Accounts Committee’s Position
Aam Aadmi Party’s Position
Reason for postponement
Public Accounts Committee’s Position
PAC chairman Ajay Mahawar said confidential proceedings and information shared with members were leaked and circulated on social media, warranting discussion of a possible breach of privilege.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Position
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said the inspection was cancelled because the BJP was afraid that the visit would reveal the truth and challenge its claims about the property.
Purpose of inspection
Public Accounts Committee’s Position
The PAC said the visit was part of its examination of CAG observations on construction, expenditure, approvals, contractor eligibility and tendering.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Position
AAP said it welcomed the inspection because it believed the visit would expose what it described as BJP lies about features of the residence, including claims about a swimming pool, bar and expensive toilet.
Activity at the property
Public Accounts Committee’s Position
The committee said it would seek the Speaker’s guidance and proceed with the examination after the necessary guidance and legal advice.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Position
Kakkar alleged that a PWD truck carrying two or three masked people entered the premises around 11 p.m. on Saturday and asked who they were and what they intended to do.
Key facts
- Committee
- Delhi Assembly Public Accounts Committee
- Chairman
- Ajay Mahawar, BJP MLA
- Property
- Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road
- Construction area under review
- Increased from about 1,397 square metres to nearly 1,905 square metres
- Additional financial impact cited
- Around Rs 18.88 crore
- Curtain expenditure
- Around Rs 45.90 lakh
- Staff block payment
- Around Rs 9.87 crore, although the block was reportedly not built as originally envisaged
Quotes
Priyanka Kakkar
AAP spokesperson
“The PAC does not work for any political party. It is accountable to the Delhi Legislative Assembly.”
NDTV
“Who were those masked people and what was their intention?”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
AAP Challenges BJP Over Planned ‘Sheeshmahal’ Bungalow Inspection
Tamil Nadu lawmakers clash over Chief Minister's office shift tender
Vijay’s Proposed Chennai Office Move Sparks Tender Controversy
Congress Demands Probe After KDMC Gandhari Building Approval Controversy
KDMC Suspends Officer Over Alleged Lapses Against Illegal Chawls
AAP Demands Public Disclosure of Satya Niketan PG Documents
Delhi Speaker Attends Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
Colleagues Remember Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta
Delhi, Assam Speakers Discuss Legislative Modernisation and Youth Outreach
Delhi Assembly Gives Students Firsthand Experience Of Democracy
