Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to move into her official residence on Raj Niwas Marg, with the Public Works Department (PWD) issuing a tender worth Rs 60 lakh for its renovation.
The bungalow, listed as Bungalow No. 1, will serve as her primary residence, while the adjacent Bungalow No. 2 has been designated as her camp office.
The tender, issued on June 28, outlines extensive electrical upgrades and installations for the CM’s residence. The work is expected to begin in the first half of July, and will be carried out over a period of 60 days. While this initial phase focuses largely on electrical works, officials from the PWD said that further civil modifications and renovations to the camp office will be undertaken under separate contracts.
24 ACs, 5 TVs: Rs 60 Lakh Renovation
According to official documents, the residence will be fitted with a host of high-end appliances and fixtures. These include 14 air conditioners costing Rs 7.7 lakh, five televisions worth Rs 9.3 lakh, 14 CCTV cameras for Rs 5.74 lakh, and a UPS system worth Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, home appliances such as a microwave, OTG, dishwasher, washing machine, geysers, and a gas stove have also been listed. The kitchen and bathrooms will be modernised, while the lighting setup is set to be enhanced with three chandeliers, wall lighters, and 115 lamps, the cost for lighting alone is pegged at over Rs 6 lakh.
This particular bungalow is a Type 7 government accommodation, notably not the same as the controversial 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow, which was occupied by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The BJP had earlier made it clear that their new CM would not reside in the so-called ‘Sheesh Mahal’, which had come under intense public and political scrutiny for its extravagant renovations.
“Janata Ka Sheesh Mahal”, Says CM Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta commented on the symbolism of her official residence and how it reflects her party’s values. “The former Chief Minister built the Sheesh Mahal for his own luxury, using public money,” she said. “But the Sheesh Mahal we have inaugurated today is for the people, this is Janata ka Sheesh Mahal. The old one will be returned to its source. That means, Janata ke khazane ka paisa, Janata ke paas jaega.”
As of now, CM Rekha Gupta continues to stay at her residence in Shalimar Bagh, until renovation work on her official bungalow is completed. The PWD will open the bids for the tender on 4 July, after which the work will formally begin. The administration has said it will ensure transparency and timeliness in execution, as the CM prepares to take charge from her new official base.