The Delhi government has cancelled a ₹60 lakh renovation tender for Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence due to “administrative reasons,” official sources confirmed on Wednesday. The move comes amid sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, over alleged wasteful expenditure.

CM Rekha Gupta, who assumed office in February, was allotted two bungalows on Raj Niwas Marg in the Civil Lines area—one designated as her official residence, and the other as a camp office, which she inaugurated last week.

Details of the Cancelled Tender

The Public Works Department (PWD) had issued the renovation tender on July 1, which included the installation of:

• 14 air conditioners worth over ₹11 lakh

• 5 televisions

• Extensive electrical rewiring of 80 light/fan points

• 23 energy-efficient ceiling fans and 16 wall-mounted fans

• A lighting overhaul worth over ₹6 lakh, featuring 115 lighting fixtures, including:

  • 3 chandeliers

  • Brass lanterns

  • Nickel-finish flush ceiling lights

  • Hanging lamps and decorative wall lights

The first phase of work was scheduled to begin in early July, focusing on the electrical and interior upgrades of Bungalow No. 1, a Type-7 bungalow designated for the Chief Minister.

Opposition Slams 'Maya Mahal' Plans

Both AAP and Congress slammed the proposal, accusing the BJP-led administration of indulging in luxury while public welfare takes a backseat. The AAP described the planned renovation as a "Maya Mahal" (palace of illusion), mocking the BJP's alleged double standards—particularly after previous criticism of similar expenditures by the Kejriwal-led AAP government.

In response, the BJP maintained that the plan was routine government procedure, not an act of extravagance, and cited standardisation and functionality as the rationale.

Renovation Cancelled, Political Heat Remains

The Delhi government’s decision to roll back the renovation tender appears to be a strategic response to growing political pressure. The cancellation, however, is unlikely to quell the larger narrative battles between BJP and AAP in Delhi, where issues of transparency and governance remain at the forefront of political discourse.