New Delhi [India], January 5: BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who is contesting from the New Delhi assembly constituency, has strongly criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his official residence, dubbed the “Sheesh Mahal.” Verma accused Kejriwal of misusing public funds for its construction and demanded that the residence be declared a tourist attraction, allowing the public to visit it.
In a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Verma urged that the people of the New Delhi constituency be granted access to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ as it was built using taxpayer money. He emphasized, “I have written to Atishi, requesting that the people of Delhi be allowed to view the ‘Sheesh Mahal.’ This building has been constructed using their tax and development funds.”
Verma went further, stating that the residence, which has become an iconic symbol of the current Delhi administration, should be opened for public viewing. “Sheesh Mahal should be declared a tourist spot. The people of Delhi deserve to see how their money has been spent by someone who has betrayed them. They should witness the reality of Arvind Kejriwal, who has built this grand residence at their expense,” Verma said.
The BJP leader described the residence as not just a place of residence for the CM but an emblem of Delhi’s governance history, with many residents eager to see it. “During Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure, the residence was elaborately decorated and now is popularly known as Sheesh Mahal. The people of Delhi, especially those in the New Delhi constituency, want to know what the place looks like where their elected representative spent his time,” Verma added.
Verma also requested CM Atishi to allow public viewing of the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, believing this would strengthen transparency and foster trust between the government and its citizens.
A former MP and the son of the late Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, Parvesh Verma is set to face off against Kejriwal in the upcoming 2025 Delhi assembly elections. The elections are expected to be a fierce three-way contest with Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit also in the fray.
Verma’s call for transparency in governance and public access to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has become a point of contention ahead of the elections, as the political landscape in Delhi continues to heat up.