Delhi government explores converting Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ into luxury hospitality property | Today’s news

The Delhi government is exploring ways to commercially exploit former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence at 6 Flagstaff Road, including renting it out as a luxury hospitality property or using it as a venue for government events and conferences, according to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Hindustan Times reported.

Dubbed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by the BJP during its campaign against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the bungalow became the center of a political row over the alleged cost of its renovation during Kejriwal’s tenure.

Delhi PWD Minister speaks

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said the government is considering partnering with established hospitality firms for professional property management and revenue generation.

“We are thinking of tying up with established companies who are in this business so that the maintenance of the property can be managed professionally. Currently we are spending a lot of money on maintenance which is unnecessary expenditure. If the same property can be used by the government to generate revenue, it would be a better option,” Verma was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The government also decided to complete the unfinished camp office in the compound and convert it into a venue for government functions and private events.

According to the HT report, OZP is preparing a detailed proposal including the operational model, legal framework and technical aspects of the plan. Once completed, the proposal will be submitted to the Delhi government.

This is the latest attempt by the BJP government to re-use the property after assuming office. Earlier proposals included converting the bungalow into a cultural center or a government guest house, as well as transferring it to the center in exchange for other property from the central government fund.

The bungalow has become a major political issue ahead of the 2025 Delhi assembly elections.The BJP claimed that ₹45 million crowns ₹52 million of public money was spent on renovations and luxury fittings, leading to allegations of financial irregularities and breaches of building standards.

Construction of the camp office was also halted amid controversy. According to a Hindustan Times report, the cost of the project was estimated to be approx ₹60 million, with almost ₹25 million has already been spent.

The allegations prompted investigations by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Lieutenant Governor. The AAP denied all the allegations and claimed that the BJP had grossly exaggerated the cost of the renovation.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)