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.

A major altercation broke out during a wedding ceremony in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa city late Wednesday night after two groups allegedly clashed outside a marriage venue near the Civil Lines police station. The incident created panic among guests and local residents as people were seen fighting openly on the road, barely 100 metres away from the police station. Police later reached the spot and brought the situation under control after chaos continued for a considerable period.

the incident took place outside Gayatri Hall in Rewa, where the marriage ceremony of Palak Sen, daughter of Santosh Sen and Ramrati Sen of Ghoghar locality, was being organised. The wedding procession had arrived from Mangawan area of Rewa district. Groom Pankaj Sen had reached the venue along with family members and relatives when the dispute reportedly started among some youths attending the event.

Sources said the argument initially began over a minor issue during the wedding function. However, the verbal exchange soon intensified and turned into a physical confrontation between two groups present at the venue. Witnesses claimed that within minutes both sides gathered outside the marriage hall and started attacking each other in full public view.

Several people allegedly exchanged punches, kicks and blows in the middle of the road, creating a tense atmosphere in the area. Guests attending the wedding ceremony were seen rushing for safety while nearby residents gathered outside after hearing the commotion. The sudden violence led to chaos around the venue, with many people trying to stop the fight while others attempted to move away from the crowd.

Eyewitnesses said the situation remained uncontrolled for several minutes as neither side was willing to back down. Due to the fight taking place on the main road outside the marriage hall, traffic movement in the area was also affected temporarily. Vehicles slowed down and commuters faced inconvenience until police personnel reached the spot and dispersed the crowd.

The incident has drawn particular attention because of its location. Gayatri Hall is situated very close to the Civil Lines police station, and the clash reportedly happened at a distance of nearly 100 metres from the police premises. Local residents expressed surprise that such a violent confrontation could continue openly in a sensitive area despite the nearby police presence.

After receiving information about the incident, police teams from Civil Lines police station immediately reached the location. Officers intervened and managed to separate members of both groups before the dispute escalated further. Authorities later restored normalcy in the area and cleared the road for smooth traffic movement.

Police officials said the exact reason behind the clash is still being investigated. Preliminary information suggests that a disagreement between some youths during the ceremony triggered the confrontation. However, investigators are questioning individuals from both sides to determine how the dispute intensified into a large public fight.

During the violence, several bystanders recorded videos of the incident on their mobile phones. The footage, which allegedly shows members of both groups assaulting each other on the road, has now surfaced online and is being circulated widely on social media platforms and messaging groups in the city. The viral video has further increased public discussion around the incident.

Police sources said the video clips are also being examined as part of the investigation. Officials are trying to identify all individuals involved in the violence and ascertain whether anyone carried objects or caused damage during the altercation. Authorities indicated that strict action could be taken against those found responsible for disturbing public order.

According to officials, no serious injuries were reported immediately after the incident. However, some individuals are believed to have sustained minor injuries during the scuffle. Police have not yet confirmed whether any formal complaint or FIR has been registered by either side.

The incident has once again raised concerns over security arrangements during large wedding functions and social gatherings. In recent years, cases of disputes escalating into violence at public events have become increasingly common in several cities, particularly where large crowds gather late at night. Experts believe lack of crowd control and sudden personal disputes often contribute to such situations.

Residents in the area said the fight created fear and confusion for some time because of the aggressive nature of the clash. Many people reportedly remained gathered near the venue even after the situation was brought under control, while police personnel continued monitoring the area to prevent further tension.

Officials stated that statements of eyewitnesses and wedding attendees are being recorded as part of the inquiry. Police are also verifying whether alcohol consumption or previous rivalry between individuals played any role in the incident. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

-----------