Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of prioritising personal luxuries over public infrastructure during his nearly decade-long tenure. Shah’s remarks come in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on Friday, where PM Modi slammed Kejriwal for allegedly choosing opulence over welfare.
Addressing an event after inaugurating the New Delhi Municipal Corporation’s working women’s hostel, Sushma Bhavan, Shah highlighted the extravagant expenditures on Kejriwal’s official residence, dubbing it a “sheesh mahal.” He alleged the bungalow, spread over 50,000 square yards, cost Delhi taxpayers Rs 45 crore.
When Kejriwal entered politics, he vowed not to take a government car or bungalow, and promised to herald a new kind of politics, Shah said. But the AAP leader could not be satisfied by one, two, three or four bungalows, and instead built himself a “sheesh mahal” spread across 50,000 square yards of land, costing people of Delhi Rs 45 crore, he added.
Shah listed expenses on the bungalow, including Rs 6 crore for designer marbles, Rs 6 crore for motorised curtains, Rs 70 lakh for automatic doors, Rs 50 lakh for carpets, and Rs 64 lakh for smart TVs. He also alleged Rs 14 crore was spent on a water plant for Kejriwal’s family of four.
“Kejriwal Ji, you will have to give an account to the people of Delhi. They are demanding answers from you,” Shah said.
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Taking a swipe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah suggested on X that Kejriwal should let Delhiites tour his “sheesh mahal” to witness the kind of residence their chief minister lives in.
Shah recounted an interaction with some young visitors who, when told that Kejriwal had done little for Delhi, sarcastically pointed out that the AAP leader had at least built a “sheesh mahal.”
The senior BJP leader accused Kejriwal of presiding over multiple corruption scandals, citing alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy, Mohalla Clinics, CCTV installations, and bus procurements.
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Drawing a sharp contrast, Shah invoked the late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, whom he praised as a “fighting opposition leader” and a public servant remembered for her impactful contributions to key ministries, including foreign affairs and health. In comparison, Shah said, Kejriwal’s legacy would be marred by corruption and self-serving politics.
“People of Delhi are smart, and they will not be deceived. Kejriwal must answer for his actions,” Shah said, adding that the BJP was committed to providing “honest and accountable” governance in the national capital.
With Delhi Assembly elections likely to be held in February, the political battle between the BJP and AAP is expected to escalate, with both parties ramping up their campaigns.