A political controversy has erupted in Jharkhand over the proposed Chief Minister’s residence project, with the BJP alleging that the Hemant Soren-led government is constructing a “Rs 100 crore Sheesh Mahal” equipped with luxury features.
The BJP claimed that the project includes high-end amenities such as a Rs 2 crore fountain and a Rs 2.5 crore garden, accusing the government of prioritising extravagance over public welfare.
State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Dev criticised the move, saying that people are struggling for their livelihood while the Chief Minister would live in a glass palace worth Rs 100 crore. He added that features like a Rs 2 crore fountain and a Rs 2.5 crore garden would further enhance the grandeur of the proposed residence.
Addressing a press conference, Shah Dev said it was ironic that a government which claims to represent the poor, tribals, and indigenous communities is planning to build a lavish residence for the Chief Minister. He alleged that the project includes facilities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and luxurious rooms.
Shah Dev also drew comparisons with Delhi, claiming that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is following the path of Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that a similar “Sheesh Mahal” was constructed there using public funds.
He further claimed that while the official cost of the main building has been pegged at around Rs 47 crore, the total expenditure could rise to nearly Rs 70 crore when other components are included. Factoring in a typical 25-30% cost escalation in construction projects, he alleged that the final cost could exceed Rs 100 crore.
The BJP leader also questioned the timing of the project, noting that the government has already announced plans to build a new Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister’s residence in a smart city area in the future. He alleged that the project was approved in the previous cabinet but that this detail was not disclosed during the cabinet briefing.
Calling it unfortunate, Shah Dev said that at a time when many tribal and indigenous families in the state continue to struggle for livelihood, education, healthcare, and basic amenities, such expenditure raises serious concerns. He added that the BJP would take the issue to the public and question whether taxpayer money should be spent on “royal luxuries” or public welfare.
In response, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) defended the project, saying that it is a government-approved infrastructure plan in a relatively new state.
JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey accused the BJP of creating unnecessary controversy over a Chief Minister’s residence, questioning why an elected Chief Minister should live in inadequate housing. He said it is a government plan and asked whether the Chief Minister should live in a mud house.
Pandey also countered the BJP’s criticism by referring to projects undertaken by the central government and the party. He questioned how the Central Vista project, worth Rs 1200 crore, was initiated during the COVID-19 period, and alleged that a Rs 395 crore BJP office could be constructed, along with party offices across the country during lockdown, while objections are being raised over a Chief Minister’s residence in a tribal state.
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Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
Apr 4, 2026 04:01 IST
