Delhi LG VK Saxena, on May 24, wrote to the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), pointing out alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of the CM’s official residence. MHA recommended a special CAG audit taking note of the LG’s letter which flagged irregularities. The LG claimed there were “gross and prima facie financial irregularities” in the reconstruction. The move follows a request by the Centre to the CAG in this regard.

The reconstruction was carried out between 2020 and 2022 when the coronavirus pandemic was raging across India. The LG’s letter was based on a report Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar submitted to him on April 27 which detailed prima facie violations of rules, guidelines and ownership in the reconstruction. The chief secretary prepared the factual report on the directions of the LG.

Vigilance department of the Delhi government said in a report that the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence incurred a total cost of ₹52.71 crore — ₹33.49 crore on the construction of the house and ₹19.22 crore on a camp office for the chief minister. Reacting to the news of the audit, the AAP in a statement said that the allegations were fabricated, and it was part of an attempt to suppress the voice of the Opposition.