After over 100 days since taking charge, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to move into her official government bungalow in Civil Lines, north Delhi. The Public Works Department (PWD) has begun repair and renovation work on the property, with officials expecting completion within 60 days.

An official source confirmed to PTI that an allotment letter has been issued, and the PWD is actively engaged in upgrading the bungalow. The Chief Minister currently resides with her family in Shalimar Bagh, awaiting the move.

Renovation and Allotment Details

The PWD, responsible for allocating government bungalows to ministers and officials, has also floated a tender for constructing a camp office for the Chief Minister, with the estimated cost of the renovation and upgrades pegged at around ₹47 lakh.

The official highlighted that among the bungalows in Civil Lines, four have been allotted to the Deputy Speaker and the Social Welfare Minister. Two others are reserved for CM Rekha Gupta — one as her residence and the other as a camp office.

Why Not Lutyens Delhi?

Rekha Gupta had sought accommodation in Lutyens Delhi, a prestigious area where many senior officials and politicians reside. However, since these bungalows fall under the Central government’s jurisdiction, a property exchange is required between the Delhi government and the Centre. This exchange process is delayed due to the unavailability of appropriate houses at the moment.

Political Context and Historical Reference

The move comes after the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years, having won the Assembly elections held in February 2025. Rekha Gupta’s predecessors from other parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had also resided in Civil Lines bungalows.

Notably, former CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal lived at 6 Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines, a bungalow that became a political flashpoint. The BJP labelled it ‘Sheesh Mahal’, alleging crores were spent on its renovation, making it a symbol of alleged government extravagance.

Official Statements and Next Steps

PWD officials have reiterated that the renovation work is ongoing and the Chief Minister will move in once completed. The total cost and details of the renovations are subject to scrutiny, especially given political rivalry and opposition campaigns targeting government spending.

Rekha Gupta’s move to an official residence signals a new chapter in Delhi’s political administration, potentially impacting governance and political optics as the BJP consolidates power in the national capital.

Summary

Delhi’s new BJP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s forthcoming move into the Civil Lines bungalow after months of delay highlights the bureaucratic and political complexities around official residences. Renovation efforts are underway with a planned completion in two months, while negotiations for Lutyens Delhi properties remain unresolved. The political backdrop and comparisons with former CM Kejriwal’s bungalow add further intrigue to the unfolding developments in Delhi’s political landscape.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Jainik Power Cables, Sacheerome Limited, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Ganga Bath Fittings.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.