Rekha Gupta’s CM bungalow renovation cost less than 2% of Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ ?

The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a Rs 60 lakh tender for renovating Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence, Bungalow Number 1 on Raj Niwas Marg. The tender was released on July 4, and the work is expected to finish in 60 days, according to an ANI report.

The renovation will focus on electrical and interior upgrades. The bungalow will get:

• 5 LED TVs costing Rs 9.3 lakh
• 14 air conditioners worth Rs 7.7 lakh
• 14 CCTV cameras for Rs 5.74 lakh
• A UPS system for Rs 2 lakh
• 23 remote-controlled ceiling fans for Rs 1.8 lakh

Appliances for daily use include:

• An OTG (oven-toaster-grill) – Rs 85,000
• Washing machine – Rs 77,000
• Dishwasher – Rs 60,000
• Gas stove – Rs 63,000
• Microwave – Rs 32,000
• Six geysers – Rs 91,000

To improve lighting, the bungalow will be fitted with 115 decorative lights, including three large chandeliers, costing around Rs 6.03 lakh.

This makeover has drawn comparisons with the renovation of former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, which cost around Rs 33 crore and was often criticised as the ‘Sheesh Mahal’. The BJP has clarified that CM Rekha Gupta will not use Kejriwal’s old residence. Instead, she will move into this Type-7 bungalow, while Bungalow Number 2 will be used as a camp office. Currently, Gupta lives in her private home in Shalimar Bagh.

Also Read:More trouble for Kejriwal? CAG flags Rs 2,000 crore loss under AAP's excise policy

Gupta's second bunglow 'Jan Sewa Sadan' inaugurated

On Friday, Gupta inaugurated the 'Jan Sewa Sadan', the second property allotted to her, which will function as a camp office. Delhi minister Kapil Mishra hailed the inauguration, stating that its cost is less than 'the cost of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal's Sheesh Mahal'.

"The Chief Minister's 'Jan Sewa Sadan' has been inaugurated today. It is the first day and is open for the media and cameras to see all the arrangements made for the common people. After 11 years, the CM's residence or office has been opened for the public. The entire 'Jan Sewa Sadan' has been built at a cost that is less than the cost of curtains in Arvind Kejriwal's Sheesh Mahal. Its tender document is also public, unlike the Sheesh Mahal's tender document. All grievances of the people of Delhi will be heard and recorded here," Kapil Mishra told ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra says, "The Chief Minister's 'Jan Sewa Sadan' has been inaugurated today. Today is the first day. It is open for the media and cameras to see all the arrangements made for the common people. After 11 years, the CM's residence or office has been… pic.twitter.com/CdYCDEHAW4

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

AAP slams Rekha Gupta's palace renovation

Eariler, the AAP, which governed the national capital for nearly a decade, has slammed the Chief Minister’s renovation expenses. "CM Rekha Gupta’s palace will cost crores of rupees to renovate. On one hand, Delhiites are facing all sorts of troubles. They are distressed by the government’s senseless policies. The public is struggling to save their homes and jobs," AAP' official party handle had posted on X.

"The rising fees of Delhi’s private schools, power cuts, water shortages, increasing crime in the capital, inflation, and unemployment are troubling every single Delhiite. In such times, CM Rekha Gupta is spending crores of rupees to renovate her ‘palace.’ This renovation includes installing ACs, chandeliers, TVs, and lights worth lakhs in her ‘palace.’ This will cost crores of rupees," the post further read.

Also Read:100 Days in Office: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta slams AAP for civic neglect, vows reforms on Yamuna, garbage and school fees

Here’s what CAG findings revealed about Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’

In a CAG report, it was found that over Rs 33 crore (nearly four times more than the original estimate of Rs 7.9 crore) was spent on the renovation of the official residence.

The audit listed several high-end purchases for the bungalow, including an 88-inch 8K OLED LG TV worth Rs 28.9 lakh, ten 4K Sony OLED TVs costing Rs 43.9 lakh, a Samsung ‘Flex Family Hub’ refrigerator 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 washing machine worth Rs 1.9 lakh. The residence also had ten beds and sofas worth Rs 13 lakh. 

In addition, the PWD installed a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa at a cost of Rs 19.5 lakh. The report flagged that Rs 19.8 crore, which was originally meant for a staff block, was instead used to build seven servant quarters at a different location not linked to the main project.

The CAG report pointed out several procedural lapses. “The PWD did not conduct a feasibility study for remodelling of the bungalow,” it said, adding that the audit was based only on partial records. “Despite several reminders, complete records were not made available,” the report noted.

The audit also slammed the way consultants and contractors were selected, calling the process arbitrary. The 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow, spread across 21,000 sq ft, includes eight bedrooms, three meeting rooms, two kitchens, 12 toilets, and a dining hall. As per the inventory prepared on October 11, 2024, the house had 24 sofa sets, 76 tables, 45 chairs, eight beds, and five recliner sofas worth over Rs 4 lakh.

The residence was also equipped with 75 Bose ceiling speakers and 50 air conditioners, some of which were installed in toilets, kitchens, washing areas, and the gym.

Political fallout and probe

The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ issue became a major talking point during the Delhi Assembly elections held earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to it several times, alleging that Kejriwal spent public money on luxury during the COVID-19 pandemic, while people were suffering. The CAG report also pointed out that PWD did not explain how it chose three consultancy firms for the project, and flagged a lack of transparency in awarding contracts.