BJP Labels Kejriwal As 'Advertisement Baba' Over Business Blasters Scheme, CM Home Renovation Costs

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticised Arvind Kejriwal on Monday, labelling the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader as "Advertisement Baba".

During a press conference, BJP MP Sambit Patra stated, "Arvind Kejriwal should be called 'Advertisement Baba' from today onwards... The Delhi government spent a total of ₹54 crore on the 'Business Blasters' scheme. However, the advertisement for the scheme cost ₹80 crore."

"The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) noted that the expenditure on the advertisement was 1.5 times the cost of the scheme... In another scheme, ₹1.9 crore was invested, but the advertisement cost ₹27.9 crore," Patra added, quoting ANI.

BJP criticises Kejriwal over CM residence renovation

Patra once again targeted Kejriwal, this time over the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence.

"As per the CAG report, on 17th March 2020, the PWD of Delhi proposed the remodelling of Arvind Kejriwal's residence. The proposal was to demolish the building and add an extra storey. Surprisingly, in just one day, the proposal was accepted," Patra said.

A report by Comptroller and Auditor General Girish Chandra Murmu revealed that the total cost of renovating the Delhi Chief Minister's residence, known as the 'Sheesh Mahal', amounted to ₹33.66 crore.

The remodelling was initially estimated at ₹7.61 crore, but the tender was awarded for ₹8.62 crore, meaning the tender cost was 13.21% higher. The final cost, completed in 2022, reached ₹33.66 crore, representing an increase of 342.31% over the original estimate. "Such a huge scam was committed for Arvind Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal'... The CAG raised questions about the tendering process," Patra said.

The 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy revolves around accusations that Kejriwal spent crores of rupees on the renovation of his official residence during the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when many public development projects were put on hold.