Karnataka CM Faces Backlash Over Rs 2.6 Cr Renovation At Official Residence, Draws 'Sheeshmahal' Comparisons

As part of the renovation of CM Siddaramaiah's official residence, it has been proposed to build a new helper's room featuring an attached bathroom, along with storage rooms and enhanced lighting.

A finance department notification detailing the planned upgrades has drawn sharp criticism.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has come under fire after the state Public Works Department (PWD) estimated a Rs 2.6 crore expenditure for renovations at his official residence, Cauvery. The spending has sparked controversy with opposition leaders accusing the government of wasteful expenditure.

A finance department notification detailing the planned upgrades has drawn sharp criticism. The proposed renovations include the construction of a new helper’s room with an attached bathroom, additional storage rooms, improved lighting, and upgraded water points.

According to reports, Rs 1.7 crore has been allocated for construction-related work, including kitchen upgrades, while Rs 89 lakh will be spent on electrical enhancements, air conditioning, and other allied works, as per a report on India Today. The electrical improvements involve rewiring, installation of lighting points, water heaters, and AC units.

Adding to the controversy, the government has granted a 4(g) exemption under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, allowing the PWD to carry out the project directly without a tender process, reported Times of India.

BJP MLA from Chikpet, Uday Garudachar, slammed the expenditure as "outrageous", questioning the need for such high-cost renovations at taxpayers’ expense.

'Sheeshmahal' Row

The term 'Sheeshmahal,' a colloquial Hindi phrase for an opulent residence, was popularised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to allege a major scam in the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal's official bungalow.

Located on Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines, the lavish residence served as the official home of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief during his tenure as Delhi's chief minister. The controversy surrounding the bungalow became a focal point in the BJP's campaign against AAP ahead of the Delhi elections 2025. The saffron party accused Kejriwal of indulging in luxury while the underprivileged continued to live in dire conditions.