Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Criticizes PM Modi as CBI Investigates Official Residence Renovation
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal directed his criticism towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of Kejriwal’s official residence in Civil Lines. Kejriwal claimed that the investigation is a clear indication of the Prime Minister’s nervousness.
The official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road became the center of a political controversy in May when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the AAP of spending ₹44.78 crore to renovate the building, violating guidelines. In response, the AAP denied the allegations and stated that the renovation was necessary. Kejriwal has been residing at the address since 2015.
Kejriwal, referring to Prime Minister Modi as a fourth-pass king, criticized him for being preoccupied with inquiries and speeches rather than work. He defiantly stated that he would not bow down before their attempts to break him.
Furthermore, Kejriwal highlighted that this is not the first probe launched against him and challenged Modi to resign if the CBI investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing. He accused the Prime Minister of initiating over 50 inquiries and registering more than 33 cases against him during his tenure. Kejriwal emphasized that none of the previous investigations resulted in any evidence against him.
The Delhi Chief Minister welcomed the current probe and confidently asserted that it would yield no evidence of wrongdoing. He questioned the purpose of the investigation, considering the numerous allegations of scams leveled against him in the past, such as in school construction, bus operations, water supply, and electricity.
BJP lawmaker Manoj Tiwari countered Kejriwal’s statements, claiming that the CBI probe would reveal who was involved in the irregularities surrounding the bungalow reconstruction. He accused the AAP of looting the money of the common man during the pandemic.
The CBI registered a preliminary enquiry on September 25 against unknown individuals after receiving a report from the Delhi Chief Secretary and a complaint from Congress leader Ajay Maken. The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) asked the Public Works Department (PWD) for several documents related to the construction, including proposals, bid submissions, and records of expenses. The agency requested these documents by October 3.
The BJP alleged that ₹44.78 crore were spent on the renovation of the CM’s official residence in violation of guidelines between September 2020 and June 2022. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also accused Kejriwal of corruption in the bungalow renovation during a Lok Sabha session in August.
The AAP defended the renovation, citing the necessity to address structural issues in a building that is 80 years old. They emphasized the multiple incidents of roof collapse on the premises.
In this ongoing controversy, Kejriwal continues to face scrutiny, while the outcome of the CBI investigation remains to be seen.
