AAP’s ‘Maya Mahal’ Jibe At Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s ₹60 Lakh House Renovation
A political storm has erupted in the national capital over a planned ₹60 lakh renovation of the new official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) derisively calling it her “‘Maya Mahal'”. The BJP has hit back, defending the expenditure as necessary and not a “luxury indulgence.”
The controversy centres on Bungalow No 1 on Raj Niwas Marg, which was allotted to Gupta after she took office in February. According to a tender issued by the Public Works Department (PWD), the first phase of refurbishment includes extensive electrical upgrades, the installation of 24 two-tonne air conditioners, five new televisions, and numerous high-end lighting fixtures, including three large chandeliers.
The AAP, which was ousted by the BJP in the February assembly polls, launched a scathing attack on the new government, accusing it of extravagance and misplaced priorities. The party alleged that Gupta was spending “crores on her ‘Maya Mahal'” while the people of Delhi are grappling with issues like water shortages, power cuts, and rising school fees.
The Congress also joined the criticism, with leader Supriya Shrinate taking a swipe on X. “While building a Sheesh Mahal, she is getting a Rang Mahal built for herself!” she posted, pointing out that two bungalows were being combined for the CM’s use. Apart from Bungalow No 1, an adjoining bungalow will be used as a “camp office” for public meetings.
The row carries a heavy dose of political irony, as the BJP had aggressively campaigned against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the renovation of his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, which they had termed the ‘Sheesh Mahal’. After her victory, Gupta had pointedly refused to move into that residence.
Defending the current renovation, Delhi minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa dismissed the criticism. “This is the Chief Minister’s residence, not a luxury indulgence,” he said, pointing out that even the press conference room in the complex had eight air conditioners.
The PWD tender specifies that the first phase of the renovation is estimated to cost ₹60 lakh and is expected to be completed within 60 days.
