New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena has taken note of the media reports over the alleged gross irregularities in the renovation of official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, sources said on Saturday. It is said that the LG has directed the Chief Secretary to immediately secure and take all records relating to the matter into protective custody.
Subsequently, after examination of records, a factual report on the matter has been asked to be submitted within 15 days to the LG office. The LG seeking a report in the matter comes close to the heels of media reports over alleged expenditure of Rs 45 crore for the "beautification" of the Delhi chief minister's official residence in New Delhi.
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Following the reports, the opposition has slammed the ruling AAP and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for the “extravagant” spending on his residence. Congress leader Ajay Maken has alleged that Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including on extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.
The Congress also questioned the morality of the AAP over the timing of the beautification of the CM residence. Maken said that the extravagant spending came at a time “when the people of Delhi were desperately seeking oxygen cylinders during the Covid pandemic”. The BJP earlier also slammed Delhi Chief Minister over the high cost beautification of the CM residence.
The BJP also demanded the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on "moral" grounds. AAP spokesman Raghav Chaddha however hit back saying that the residence in question was built in 1942. Chaddha said the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD), after an audit, had recommended its renovation.
