Rs 60-lakh tender for renovation of CM’s official residence cancelled

The Delhi Government has cancelled the tender for renovation work at Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence, citing “administrative reasons,” official sources confirmed on Wednesday.

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The Public Works Department (PWD) had allotted two bungalows to Gupta on Raj Niwas Marg - one designated as her residence and the other as her camp office. While her camp office was formally inaugurated last week, plans for a high-cost renovation at her residence triggered a political storm.

The tender estimated at around Rs 60 lakh included proposed installation of 14 air-conditioners, televisions, premium ceiling and wall-mounted fans and light fittings.

When the tender was released, the AAP had wasted no time in launching a fierce attack on the BJP-led Delhi Government, accusing it of hypocrisy and extravagance. The party responded sharply, drawing parallels between Gupta’s bungalow and the previously criticised residence of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

As the tender has now been cancelled, it marks the third major decision withdrawn by the Delhi Government after taking office.

In April, the Finance Department had directed Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments to ensure that expenditure in the month of April did not exceed 5 per cent of the total budget allocation for the 2025–26 financial year. That order was later withdrawn without explanation.

Recently, the government rolled back its decision to enforce a ban on refuelling overage vehicles, following mounting public pressure and widespread protests by opposition parties.

The latest reversal adds to growing criticism over the government’s policy flip-flops and has further intensified the political tussle in the Capital.