AAP's 'Maya Mahal' dig at Rekha Gupta's house renovation gets BJP 'no luxury' reply

The AAP and BJP sparred over a Rs 60 lakh renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's new official residence, with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party alleging that "crores of rupees were being spent on her 'Maya Mahal'". However, the BJP hit back, saying it was not a luxury indulgence.

Gupta, who took office in February, was allotted Bungalow No 1 on Raj Niwas Marg, ending months of speculation on where the Chief Minister would reside.

According to the tender issued by the Public Works Department (PWD), the first phase of the refurbishment will begin in the first half of July and will primarily focus on electrical upgrades. This includes complete rewiring of 80 light and fan points, installation of 24 two-ton air conditioners - costing over Rs 11 lakh - and 23 premium energy-efficient ceiling fans along with 16 wall-mounted fans.

The lighting overhaul will see 115 fixtures, including wall lights, hanging lamps and three large chandeliers, installed at a cost of Rs 6.03 lakh. Additionally, the PWD will procure 16 nickel-finish flush ceiling lights, seven brass ceiling lanterns and eight brass-and-glass wall-mounted lights for common hall areas. Five televisions are also included in the plan.

Reacting to the development, the AAP, which was ousted by the BJP in February's Delhi Assembly polls, criticised the renovation, calling it an example of extravagance and misplaced priorities. The party alleged Gupta was spending "crores on her 'Maya Mahal'" while the "people of Delhi were facing increasing hardship due to rising private school fees, power cuts, water shortages, inflation, unemployment and growing crime".

AAP also claimed that at a time when people were struggling to protect their homes and livelihoods, the government was focused on installing luxury ACs, chandeliers and TVs in the Chief Minister's residence.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate jumped into the controversy, saying Gupta was getting a 'Rang Mahal' built for herself.

"While building a Sheesh Mahal, she is getting a Rang Mahal built for herself! At a time when the people of Delhi are forced to lie down in front of bulldozers when their houses are demolished, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ji will live in not one but two bungalows combined. It's all fun!" she tweeted.

Apart from Bungalow No 1, Bungalow No 2 will now be used as a "camp office" for the Chief Minister to hold public meetings. It was earlier occupied by former Delhi minister and AAP MLA Gopal Rai.

BJP HITS BACK AT OPPOSITION

In response, Delhi minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa dismissed the criticism and defended the expenditure, pointing out that even the press conference room had eight air conditioners. "This is the Chief Minister's residence, not a luxury indulgence," he said.

Sirsa added that AAP leaders should answer for their own governance record before making allegations.

Notably, during the Assembly polls, the BJP campaigned heavily on 'Sheesh Mahal' - a term used to refer to Kejriwal's 6, Flagstaff Road residence, alleging that public expenditure was wasted and luxurious items were installed in the house during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gupta had earlier ruled out residing in the 6, Flagstaff Road residence, asserting that no BJP leaders would live there.

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