The Delhi government is preparing to convert former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines, into a state guest house for visiting ministers, senior officials and government dignitaries. According to official sources, the proposal has reached its final stage and is awaiting approval from the competent authority.

If cleared, the bungalow—popularly dubbed the "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP during a political controversy—will be repurposed to serve official government functions instead of remaining vacant.

Guest House for Ministers and Officials

Under the proposed plan, the former Chief Minister's residence will function like other state guest houses across the country, offering accommodation to visiting ministers, bureaucrats and other government guests.

Officials said the project will also include additional facilities such as dedicated parking spaces, waiting lounges and other supporting infrastructure. Guests staying at the facility will reportedly pay accommodation charges as prescribed by the government.

Bungalow Remains Vacant

The residence has remained unoccupied since Arvind Kejriwal vacated the premises after leaving office.

Despite being vacant, the property continues to be maintained by government staff. Around ten personnel are reportedly deployed for routine maintenance, ensuring that air conditioners, refrigerators, electrical systems and other installations remain functional.

Renovation Triggered Political Row

The bungalow became the centre of a major political controversy during Kejriwal's tenure after the BJP accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of spending lavishly on its renovation.

The opposition highlighted several luxury installations, including premium chandeliers, imported furnishings, smart LED lighting systems, expensive marble and granite, a spa room, massage chairs, a gym and a high-end jacuzzi, referring to the residence as the "Sheesh Mahal."

CAG Report Flagged Cost Escalation

The controversy intensified after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) released an audit report highlighting significant cost overruns.

According to the report, the renovation project was initially estimated at ₹7.91 crore, but the final expenditure reportedly increased to ₹33.66 crore, representing a cost escalation of nearly 342%.

The audit further noted that approximately ₹18.88 crore was spent on interior decoration, furnishings and decorative items.

CBI Investigation Still Underway

The renovation expenditure has remained under scrutiny since 2022, when then Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena directed the Vigilance Department to investigate allegations of financial irregularities.

The matter was subsequently handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a complaint filed by then Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, who alleged irregularities in the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence.

The CBI investigation is ongoing, and no final findings have been announced.

Final Approval Awaited

While officials indicate that the proposal to convert the bungalow into a state guest house is close to receiving approval, the Delhi government has not yet issued a formal notification.

Once approved, the property is expected to be used for official government accommodation, marking a new chapter for one of Delhi's most politically debated residences.

The Bihar government has taken a significant administrative decision regarding the security cover and official residence of the family of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, amid an ongoing dispute over the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna. The decision includes withdrawal of Z+ security for senior leaders and revision of security arrangements for other family members.

According to officials, the state government has also issued a fresh notice directing the Lalu family to vacate the official residence within 15 days, as the bungalow has been allotted to a state minister. The developments have intensified the political and administrative confrontation over government accommodation and security protocols in Bihar.

Security cover revised

Under the revised security arrangement, both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi will no longer receive Z-plus security. Instead, they will be provided with a scaled-down but structured protection system that includes escort vehicles, bulletproof cars, and a contingent of Bihar Police personnel.

Tej Pratap Yadav’s Y-category security has also been withdrawn, and he will now be provided with a single bodyguard. However, Tejashwi Yadav’s security cover remains unchanged, and he continues to receive Y-plus protection along with escort arrangements.

Officials clarified that while the level of security has been adjusted, protection for all members will continue based on threat assessment and standard protocol.

Eviction notice over bungalow

The dispute centers around the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, where the Lalu family has been residing since 2005. The Bihar government has issued a 15-day deadline for vacating the premises, stating that the residence has been officially allotted to a state minister.

The Building Construction Department had earlier served notices in May and again reiterated the directive after the family did not vacate the property. Officials also confirmed that alternative government accommodation has already been allotted to Rabri Devi at 39 Harding Road.

Political reactions intensify

The decision has triggered sharp political reactions from both sides. Rabri Devi has publicly challenged the government’s eviction order, stating that the family will not vacate the bungalow voluntarily. She questioned the timing and intent of the decision, alleging political pressure behind the move.

Responding to the controversy, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary defended the government’s action, stating that no individual has a hereditary claim over official residences. He emphasized that government accommodation is meant for public service and must be vacated once reassigned.

Security arrangements explained

As per revised guidelines, Lalu Prasad Yadav will now receive a combination of BSAP house guards, Patna Police personnel, escort vehicles, and a bulletproof car. Rabri Devi will continue to receive a larger security detail, including female bodyguards and escort support.

Officials said the changes are part of routine security reassessment procedures and are not linked to any political considerations. However, the timing of the decision has added to the ongoing political debate in the state.

Background of the dispute

The issue has been ongoing for several months, with repeated notices issued by the state government asking the family to vacate the bungalow. The residence, commonly referred to as Rabri Residence, has been a political symbol for the family since Rabri Devi’s tenure as Chief Minister.

The government maintains that the allotment of government residences is governed by rules and must be followed strictly, regardless of political status or past occupation.

BJP Releases ‘Luxury’ Bungalow Photos of Kejriwal, AAP Dismisses Images as Fake

Fresh Political Fire Over Residence

The political battle in Delhi intensified on Saturday after the Bharatiya Janata Party released multiple photographs of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s new government bungalow at 95 Lodhi Estate. The BJP called the accommodation a “Sheesh Mahal 2.0”, while the Aam Aadmi Party swiftly rejected the visuals as fabricated and misleading.

‘Sheesh Mahal 2.0’ Allegations Surface

Delhi Minister Pravesh Verma, addressing reporters, alleged that Kejriwal’s “palace of mirrors” mindset had not changed. He claimed that crores of rupees had been spent to turn the state-provided residence into a lavish retreat. “The person who preached simplicity is now indulging in luxury,” Verma said. He added that Kejriwal had long pursued court cases to secure a bungalow, finally moving in on 24 April.

AAP Calls Photos Fake and Malicious

AAP leader Atishi dismissed all six images circulated by the BJP. “These photos are not of Kejriwal’s home. If Rekha Gupta and the LG wish to compare luxury, they should open their residences first. Kejriwal ji will open his home. Then the public will decide,” she said. Atishi accused the BJP of running a disinformation campaign weeks before local body polls.

 Pravesh Verma Targets Covid Period Renovations

Verma further alleged that construction at Kejriwal’s previous residence continued even during the Covid crisis. “When Delhi struggled for oxygen and medicines, work on the earlier Sheesh Mahal did not stop for a single day on Kejriwal’s orders,” he claimed. He also alleged that similar luxury accommodations were used by AAP leaders near Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s official residence.

 Kejriwal’s Official Allotment Explained

The 95 Lodhi Estate bungalow was allotted to Kejriwal in October last year in his capacity as national president of a recognised political party. Before this, he lived in accommodation assigned to AAP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Mittal. The Delhi High Court had earlier directed the Centre to provide him official housing, following which the Lodhi Estate property was assigned.

 A Type-VII Bungalow With Amenities

Spread across approximately 5,000 square feet, the Type-VII bungalow is among the second-highest categories of government housing in Lutyens’ Delhi. Sources indicate the property includes four bedrooms, a hall, dining area, waiting room, office space, two lawns, a garage, and three servant quarters. The central government has not officially commented on the renovation costs.

 What Happens Next

AAP has announced it will issue a formal statement with video proof of Kejriwal’s actual residence. The party also threatened legal action against BJP leaders for circulating what it calls “digitally altered images”. Political analysts see the row as a fresh flashpoint ahead of municipal elections, with both sides keen to shape the narrative on ethical governance and public accountability. As per latest news today, the Lieutenant Governor’s office has not intervened in the matter so far.