Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Tuesday wrote to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), demanding an investigation into the illegal construction at the Chief Minister residence by AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal.
In his letter to the CVC, Gupta stated that former Chief Minister Kejriwal, flouting all building regulations, erected a grand 'Sheesh Mahal' on a vast area of 40,000 square yards. Stating that the construction is matter of ‘grave concern’, he said, “The former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has reportedly carried out extensive illegal construction at his official residence, which includes the amalgamation of neighbouring government bungalows and flats without seeking necessary approvals from concerned authorities and due adherence to legal procedures.”
He also visited Flag Staff Road and its surrounding areas. During his inspection, he noted that the construction at Bungalow No. 45, adjacent to 6, Flag Staff Road, remains incomplete which he claimed is the same bungalow that was illegally merged into 6, Flag Staff Road.
“Unauthorized demolition of eight Type-V flats located at 45 and 47 Rajpur Road and merging of two government bungalows (8-A and 8-B Flag Staff Road) with the Chief Minister's residence,” he highlighted.
He alleged that while tenders were invited as an addition and alteration of the existing CM's residence, an entire building was constructed to replace the existing structure. “No approval has been obtained from the competent authority for the aforesaid new construction actually taking place,” Gupta claimed.
He added that the construction disregarded approved limits for ground coverage and floor area ratio (FAR), and no approval for the layout plan was obtained from the competent authority. “Environmental norms, including those set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), have been flouted. Several trees were felled, and mandatory compensatory afforestation of 19,700 trees was not undertaken,” the LoP alleged.
He accused that some construction was also hurriedly stopped upon its exposure. Condemning Kejriwal, Gupta remarked that the man who once claimed to be a 'common man' has swiftly transformed into a 'special man'.
“The gravity of this situation lies in the fact that the Chief Minister, who holds a constitutional office, had engaged in this illegal activity while flouting the very rules and regulations that he is expected to uphold. It is deeply concerning that such large-scale illegal construction has been undertaken without any accountability,” the letter read.
“In light of these serious violations, I urge Central Vigilance Commission to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the illegal construction at 6, Flag Staff Road, and take necessary action in accordance with the law,” it added.
