Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has finally received an official residence after a wait of nearly 100 days since assuming office. According to sources in the Delhi administration, she has been allotted two adjacent bungalows — numbered 1/8 and 2/8 — located on Raj Niwas Marg in Civil Lines, a location strategically chosen for its proximity to her assembly constituency and the city centre.

This allocation aligns with Gupta’s earlier preference for a residence near her constituency to ensure efficient accessibility for both administrative responsibilities and public outreach. Until now, Gupta has been residing with her family in Shalimar Bagh, one of the capital's key residential neighbourhoods.

Allotment of Bungalows to Ministers

In line with the ongoing accommodation exercise under the new BJP-led Delhi government, several cabinet ministers have already received official residences. Notably:

• Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraraj has been given bungalow number 3/8.

• Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht has been allotted bungalow number 4/8.

• Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has been assigned bungalow AB 17 on Mathura Road, which previously housed former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

These allocations ensure that ministers are strategically located across Delhi, enabling better administrative coordination and constituency connectivity.

Rekha Gupta Rejects 6 Flag Staff Road

Interestingly, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has opted not to move into 6 Flag Staff Road, the previous official residence of former CM Arvind Kejriwal. The decision has both symbolic and political significance.

Kejriwal had moved into 6 Flag Staff Road during the latter half of his 10-year tenure and remained there until October 2024, stepping down amidst allegations related to the Delhi liquor policy scam. His tenure at this address was mired in controversy, especially over the extravagant renovations carried out at the property, which were dubbed as wasteful and labelled as ‘Sheesh Mahal’ by the BJP.

The lavish expenditure on interior works and fittings, reportedly amounting to several crores of rupees, became a centrepiece in BJP’s criticism of AAP’s governance. Following public outcry and party pressure, Gupta decided not to use the property as her residence.

Instead, she has pledged to convert 6 Flag Staff Road into a public museum, showcasing the political history and governance timeline of Delhi. This move has garnered both public support and strategic political mileage, positioning her as a leader focused on accountability and transparency.

Ongoing Investigations Into Renovation Costs

The expenditure incurred during the renovation of 6 Flag Staff Road is currently under investigation. Multiple government departments have been roped in to audit the funds used and identify lapses in administrative approvals.

According to official sources, documents and bills are being scrutinised, and involvement of senior PWD officials and private contractors is being probed. The case is being monitored closely, as it represents one of the most high-profile spending controversies in Delhi governance history.

Larger Political Context

Rekha Gupta’s decision to reject the former CM's bungalow and settle into a more modest yet strategically located residence could be seen as part of the BJP's attempt to differentiate its governance style from the Aam Aadmi Party.

By emphasising austerity, accessibility and transparency, Gupta is attempting to project a fresh image for the Delhi government, distancing her administration from past controversies and asserting the BJP’s commitment to clean governance.

Her housing decision also reflects internal party discipline, where symbolism plays a major role in shaping public perception, especially in a politically charged environment like Delhi.

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