CAG to Look into Alleged Financial Bungling in Kejriwal’s Residence Renovation

New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India will conduct a special audit into alleged “administrative and financial” irregularities in the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. This decision was made after the Ministry of Home Affairs received a letter from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s office, recommending a CAG audit on May 24.

The letter from Saxena’s office highlighted possible financial irregularities in the reconstruction of the Chief Minister’s residence. It stated that the Chief Secretary, following Saxena’s instructions, submitted a report detailing deviations and violations committed by the Public Works Department (PWD) during the renovation. The Lieutenant Governor claimed that these violations and extravagant expenditures were carried out at the behest of the Delhi CM, even amidst the peak of the pandemic.

The Chief Secretary’s report identified several prima facie irregularities in the renovation project, including the construction of an entirely new building under the guise of renovation. The PWD did not ascertain the property ownership or obtain the necessary building plans and approvals. The initial proposal aimed to provide additional accommodation, but it later changed to demolishing the existing building and constructing a new structure. The cost of the project inflated from the initial estimate of Rs 15-20 crore to approximately Rs 53 crore and convoluted measures were taken to bypass approval requirements.

The CAG audit has drawn contrasting reactions from political parties. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of desperation and cynicism, alleging that the BJP aims to defame Chief Minister Kejriwal’s honest government and seize power covertly. They also claimed that the audit serves as a distraction from the Adani-Hindenberg issue. On the other hand, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the CAG audit, expressing the need to uncover who exerted pressure on PWD officials to violate laws. Sachdeva also mentioned Kejriwal’s past demand for a CAG probe into the 2G and 3G scam, implying that the Chief Minister may oppose the current inquiry.

The controversy revolves around the BJP’s claim that approximately Rs 45 crore was spent on the “beautification” of the Chief Minister’s official residence. The CAG audit will provide clarity on the alleged irregularities and shed light on the involvement of various parties in the decision-making process.