The Public Works Department (PWD) has sanctioned over Rs 59.40 lakh for upgradation work at Bungalow Number 1 on Raj Niwas Marg, which has been allotted to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The cost and scale of renovation, however, starkly contrast with the extravagant Rs 33 crore overhaul of former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, widely dubbed “Sheesh Mahal.”

According to the PWD order, the upgradation work will primarily involve civil and electrical repairs. The bungalow will be equipped with:

• 14 split air conditioners worth Rs 7.7 lakh
• Five LED TVs for Rs 9.9 lakh
• 23 ceiling fans with remote controls costing Rs 1.8 lakh
• 14 CCTV cameras worth Rs 5.74 lakh

Other appliances listed include six geysers (Rs 91,000), an automatic washing machine (Rs 77,000), a toast grill (Rs 85,000), and a dishwasher (Rs 60,000). The illumination work, including 115 lamps, hanging lights, and three large chandeliers, will cost around Rs 6 lakh. In total, the repair and renovation expenditure stands at Rs 59,40,170, according to a PTI report.

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Camp office setup in adjoining bungalow

Officials said the bungalow previously housed LG Secretariat staff. Bungalow Number 2 on the same road—earlier occupied by former minister Gopal Rai—will likely serve as the chief minister’s camp office for public meetings. Gupta, who took over as Delhi CM after AAP’s exit from power, had publicly said she would not shift into Kejriwal’s old official residence on Flagstaff Road.

AAP slams Rekha Gupta’s palace renovation

Meanwhile, 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.

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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.