New Delhi: The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has sanctioned an upgrade worth ₹59.4 lakh at Bungalow Number 1, Raj Niwas Marg — the official residence allotted to newly elected Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The development comes amid rising scrutiny over high-profile VVIP renovations in the capital.
According to a government order, the renovation includes extensive civil and electrical work, with new installations such as 14 split ACs (₹7.7 lakh), five LED televisions (₹9.9 lakh), 23 remote-controlled ceiling fans (₹1.8 lakh), and 14 CCTV cameras valued at ₹5.74 lakh.
The bungalow will also be equipped with a UPS backup system, six geysers, an automatic washing machine, a dishwasher, and a toast grill. As part of the lighting upgrade, the plan includes 115 lamps, hanging lights, and three large chandeliers worth ₹6 lakh.
यह भी पढ़ें: दिल्ली सीएम रेखा गुप्ता के बंगले पर ₹59 लाख का नवीनीकरण, वीवीआईपी खर्चों को लेकर उठे सवाल
Officials confirmed that the four-room-plus-hall residence, previously occupied by LG Secretariat staff, is currently under renovation. Meanwhile, Bungalow No. 2 on the same road — earlier assigned to former minister Gopal Rai — may be converted into the Chief Minister’s camp office, sources said.
Notably, Gupta had previously stated she would not live in the bungalow associated with former CM Arvind Kejriwal, which had drawn public ire for its lavish interiors. Dubbed “Sheeshmahal” by BJP critics, the bungalow was central to their election campaign, with scaled-down replicas paraded across Delhi.
In contrast, the BJP-led government is now under pressure to justify the expenditure on CM Gupta’s new residence.
Officials also indicated that the former CM’s residence on Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines — currently vacant — may soon be converted into a state guest house.
Most of the newly appointed cabinet ministers in the BJP government have been allotted official residences as the new administration settles in.
