The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has officially scrapped a controversial Rs 60 lakh renovation tender for Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence, citing “administrative reasons.” The decision, conveyed on July 7, comes amidst mounting backlash from opposition parties over the proposed expenditures for upgrading the newly allotted bungalow.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who assumed office in February after a sweeping BJP victory, was allotted a Type-7 bungalow (No. 1) on Raj Niwas Marg in June. She also inaugurated her adjacent camp office last week. Notably, Gupta declined to occupy the Civil Lines bungalow used by her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal, which had drawn heavy criticism for its opulent renovations.

Controversy Over Luxuries Sparks Cancellation

The tender was initially floated on July 1 and was slated to be opened on July 4. It included major electrical upgrades such as complete rewiring of 80 light and fan points, installation of 24 two-ton air conditioners worth over Rs 11 lakh, 23 high-end energy-efficient fans, 16 wall-mounted fans, and a lighting overhaul estimated at Rs 6.03 lakh. Also listed were items like chandeliers, brass lanterns, designer lighting fixtures, and five televisions reportedly costing Rs 9 lakh.

However, just days later, PWD withdrew the tender. The move came after criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, who dubbed the planned work as an extravagant misuse of public funds. AAP referred to the proposed makeover as Gupta’s “Maya/Rang Mahal.” The BJP, in its defense, claimed the proposal was a routine administrative exercise, not a luxury splurge.

‘Sheeshmahal’ Allegations Resurface

Interestingly, Gupta’s decision to stay away from Arvind Kejriwal’s former official residence was also seen as symbolic. The sprawling 40,000 square yard bungalow had been a political flashpoint, with the BJP calling it a “sheeshmahal.” The bungalow, which allegedly merged four government plots illegally, featured lavish interiors and top-tier appliances, according to a Central Public Works Department (CPWD) report from October 2024. The Union government later launched a probe into the spending.

Kejriwal, who vacated the residence in October 2024 after stepping down, denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and meant to distract from the BJP’s own failures in Delhi. He and the AAP have not commented on Gupta’s now-cancelled renovation tender.

CM Gupta Turns Focus to Public Outreach

Meanwhile, CM Rekha Gupta has taken a proactive role in governance. She held her first ‘Jansunwai’ (public grievance meeting) at her newly inaugurated camp office on Raj Niwas Marg. During the session, she reiterated her government’s commitment to public service, stating, “Public service is the supreme duty of our government.”

While the renovation was called off, her camp office remains functional, and officials clarified that Gupta has been allotted two bungalows—one for residence and the other for administrative duties.

Delhi Cabinet Approves Rs 53 Crore for Local Development

In a parallel development, the Delhi Cabinet approved Rs 53 crore for the Integrated District Project Fund and District Project Fund schemes. This initiative aims to support small yet essential infrastructure and civic projects across various districts without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Highlighting her governance approach, CM Gupta noted that the initiative follows the “perform, reform, and transform” model and is aimed at decentralizing decision-making.