A controversy has erupted over the ₹60 lakh renovation of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's official residence. AAP and Congress have called it a waste of public money, while the BJP has termed it a necessary expense.
Delhi CM News: A political controversy has erupted in Delhi over the ₹60 lakh expenditure for the renovation of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's new official residence. According to the tender issued by the Public Works Department (PWD), the renovation work will begin in the first week of July, primarily involving the upgrade of the electrical system.
What is the Renovation Plan?
The Delhi government has allocated a budget of ₹60 lakh for the renovation of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's new official residence, Bungalow No. 1, Raj Niwas Marg. According to the PWD tender details, the first phase will involve the rewiring of the electrical system. This includes adding 80 new light and fan points.
As part of the renovation, 24 air conditioners with a capacity of two tons each will be installed, with an estimated cost of over ₹11 lakh. Additionally, there are plans to install 23 energy-efficient ceiling fans and 16 wall fans.
Expenditure on Chandeliers, Lights, and TVs
The Chief Minister's residence also has a proposal for 115 light units, including wall lights, hanging lights, and three large chandeliers. The total cost for these is estimated to be approximately ₹6.03 lakh. 16 nickel finish flush ceiling lights, seven brass ceiling lanterns, and eight brass and glass wall lights will also be purchased for the general hall.
Furthermore, five TV units are also proposed. According to the report, there are plans to install all these facilities in a modern and energy-efficient manner.
AAP Launches a Sharp Attack
The Aam Aadmi Party has directly attacked the Delhi government regarding this renovation. The party posted on social media, stating that CM Rekha Gupta is spending crores of rupees on a 'Mayamahal' (palace of illusion), while the people of Delhi are struggling with problems like electricity, water, unemployment, and inflation.
Congress's Allegation: The Chief Minister is Building a Rangmahal
The Congress has also targeted the BJP and Rekha Gupta on this issue, saying that the Chief Minister of Delhi is building a 'Rangmahal' (palace of colors) and not a 'Sheesh Mahal' (palace of mirrors). Congress leader Supriya Shrinate posted on X (formerly Twitter) that where people in Delhi are forced to lie down in front of bulldozers to save their homes, the Chief Minister is creating a luxurious residence by joining two bungalows. She also mentioned that 24 expensive ACs, five large TVs, chandeliers, washing machines, microwaves, geysers, refrigerators, and a total of 115 light units are being installed in the residence. Supriya called it a waste of public money.
BJP's Counterattack
Amidst the attacks by AAP and Congress, the BJP has also responded. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while holding a press conference, said that the expenditure on the Chief Minister's residence is not luxury, but a necessity for a responsible position. Giving an example, he said that there are many ACs in the press room as well, so it is natural to have facilities at the Chief Minister's residence.
