November 21, 2024: Members of the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by its president Virendra Sachdeva gathered in large numbers outside the residence of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, staging a massive protest over the controversy surrounding the transformation of his official bungalow into what the BJP has dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’.

The row erupted following the release of an inventory list detailing the extravagant furnishings at Kejriwal’s official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road. The list revealed lavish additions, including gold-plated fixtures, expensive furniture, and luxurious decorations—items far exceeding what was originally provided by the Public Works Department (PWD). According to Sachdeva, PWD records show that the costly items worth crores of rupees were not supplied by the department.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Sachdeva demanded answers, questioning the source of these lavish furnishings. "How did you get all these extravagant items in 'Sheesh Mahal'? Was it from the Punjab government, was it from the liquor scam, or the Delhi Jal Board?" Sachdeva asked, seeking clarity on the origins of the high-end furnishings that have sparked public outrage.

The controversy further intensified after it was revealed that, when Kejriwal moved into the bungalow in 2022, the PWD had only supplied basic furnishings. However, when he vacated the residence in 2024, the inventory indicated the presence of chandeliers worth lakhs and carpets valued at over ₹50 lakh.

In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lashed out at the BJP’s accusations. AAP spokespersons accused the BJP of using the issue to tarnish Kejriwal's image, stating that the BJP’s attempt to malign the “staunchly honest” former Chief Minister was futile. “The people of Delhi have seen through these false accusations. The ‘Kejriwal model’ of governance continues to expand at record speed, despite such tactics,” the AAP said in a statement.

The AAP also defended Kejriwal’s actions, pointing out that unlike other leaders who remain in their official residences for extended periods, Kejriwal set an example by vacating the official bungalow after resigning as Delhi Chief Minister, adhering to constitutional norms.

The BJP, however, remains steadfast in its criticism of Kejriwal’s lavish lifestyle, accusing him of hypocrisy. The protest outside Kejriwal’s residence marks the latest development in an ongoing political standoff, with both parties exchanging sharp words over the issue of the 'Sheesh Mahal'.