The Public Works Division (PWD) lately sanctioned over Rs 59.40 lakh for upgradation work at Bungalow #1 on Raj Niwas Marg, which has been allotted to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The price and scale of renovation, nevertheless, starkly distinction with the extravagant Rs 33 crore overhaul of former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, extensively dubbed “Sheesh Mahal.”
In accordance with the PWD order, the upgradation work will primarily contain civil and electrical repairs. The bungalow shall be geared up with:
- 14 break up air conditioners value Rs 7.7 lakh
- 5 LED TVs for Rs 9.9 lakh
- 23 ceiling followers with distant controls costing Rs 1.8 lakh
- 14 CCTV cameras value Rs 5.74 lakh
Different home equipment listed embody six geysers (Rs 91,000), an computerized washer (Rs 77,000), a toast grill (Rs 85,000), and a dishwasher (Rs 60,000). The illumination work, together with 115 lamps, hanging lights, and three giant chandeliers, will price round Rs 6 lakh. In whole, the restore and renovation expenditure stands at Rs 59,40,170, based on a PTI report.
Additionally Learn:Extra bother for Kejriwal? CAG flags Rs 2,000 crore loss beneath AAP’s excise coverage
Gupta’s second bunglow ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’ inaugurated
On Friday, Gupta inaugurated the ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’. A second property, Bungalow Quantity 2, has additionally been allotted to her, which is able to operate as a camp workplace. Delhi minister Kapil Mishra hailed the inauguration of the Chief Minister’s ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’, stating that its price is lower than “the price of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal’s Sheesh Mahal.”
“The Chief Minister’s ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’ has been inaugurated right now. It’s the first day and is open for the media and cameras to see all of the preparations made for the widespread individuals. After 11 years, the CM’s residence or workplace has been opened for the general public. The complete ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’ has been constructed at a price that’s lower than the price of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal’s Sheesh Mahal. Its tender doc can also be public, not like the Sheesh Mahal’s tender doc. All grievances of the individuals of Delhi shall be heard and recorded right here,” Kapil Mishra informed ANI.
#WATCH | Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra says, “The Chief Minister’s ‘Jan Sewa Sadan’ has been inaugurated right now. Right this moment is the primary day. It’s open for the media and cameras to see all of the preparations made for the widespread individuals. After 11 years, the CM’s residence or workplace has been… pic.twitter.com/CdYCDEHAW4
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025
AAP slams Rekha Gupta’s palace renovation
Eariler, the AAP, which ruled the nationwide capital for practically a decade, has slammed the Chief Minister’s renovation bills. “CM Rekha Gupta’s palace will price crores of rupees to renovate. On one hand, Delhiites are going through all types of troubles. They’re distressed by the federal government’s mindless insurance policies. The general public is struggling to save lots of their houses and jobs,” AAP’ official celebration deal with had posted on X.
“The rising charges of Delhi’s non-public faculties, energy cuts, water shortages, rising crime within the capital, inflation, and unemployment are troubling each single Delhiite. In such instances, CM Rekha Gupta is spending crores of rupees to renovate her ‘palace.’ This renovation contains putting in ACs, chandeliers, TVs, and lights value lakhs in her ‘palace.’ This can price crores of rupees,” the publish additional learn.
Additionally Learn:100 Days in Workplace: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta slams AAP for civic neglect, vows reforms on Yamuna, rubbish and college charges
Right here’s what CAG findings revealed about Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’
In a CAG report, it was discovered that over Rs 33 crore (practically 4 instances greater than the unique estimate of Rs 7.9 crore) was spent on the renovation of the official residence.
The audit listed a number of high-end purchases for the bungalow, together with an 88-inch 8K OLED LG TV value Rs 28.9 lakh, ten 4K Sony OLED TVs costing Rs 43.9 lakh, a Samsung ‘Flex Household Hub’ fridge priced at Rs 3.2 lakh, a microwave oven for Rs 1.8 lakh, two steam ovens for Rs 6.5 lakh, and a front-loading washer value Rs 1.9 lakh. The residence additionally had ten beds and sofas value Rs 13 lakh.
As well as, the PWD put in a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa at a price of Rs 19.5 lakh. The report flagged that Rs 19.8 crore, which was initially meant for a workers block, was as an alternative used to construct seven servant quarters at a distinct location not linked to the primary venture.
The CAG report identified a number of procedural lapses. “The PWD didn’t conduct a feasibility examine for remodelling of the bungalow,” it mentioned, including that the audit was based mostly solely on partial information. “Regardless of a number of reminders, full information weren’t made out there,” the report famous.
The audit additionally slammed the way in which consultants and contractors had been chosen, calling the method arbitrary. The 6 Flagstaff Highway bungalow, unfold throughout 21,000 sq ft, contains eight bedrooms, three assembly rooms, two kitchens, 12 bathrooms, and a eating corridor. As per the stock ready on October 11, 2024, the home had 24 couch units, 76 tables, 45 chairs, eight beds, and 5 recliner sofas value over Rs 4 lakh.
The residence was additionally geared up with 75 Bose ceiling audio system and 50 air conditioners, a few of which had been put in in bathrooms, kitchens, washing areas, and the health club.
Political fallout and probe
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ subject turned a serious speaking level throughout the Delhi Meeting elections held earlier this 12 months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to it a number of instances, alleging that Kejriwal spent public cash on luxurious throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas individuals had been struggling. The CAG report additionally identified that PWD didn’t clarify the way it selected three consultancy corporations for the venture, and flagged a scarcity of transparency in awarding contracts.
