PWD Cancels Lavish Renovation Tender for CM Rekha Gupta’s Residence Amid Public Outcry

Public Works Department withdraws tender for extravagant makeover of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s bungalow, triggering sharp questions from AAP over intent, transparency, and alleged misuse of public funds.

New Delhi [India], July 10:
In a surprising move, the Public Works Department (PWD) on Wednesday cancelled a high-value tender issued for the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence—Bungalow Number 1. The cancellation has stirred political debate, with opposition leaders questioning both the necessity and intent behind the originally proposed upgrades.

The scrapped tender reportedly included extensive and lavish upgrades, such as the replacement of electrical wiring, new fittings and fixtures, and various electrical works. These upgrades, particularly their luxurious nature, became a flashpoint for criticism after the details went public.

💬 AAP Demands Accountability

Reacting swiftly to the cancellation, AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP and CM Rekha Gupta, questioning the real motivation behind issuing such a tender and then abruptly withdrawing it.

“If such luxuries were genuinely required, why cancel the tender? And if they weren’t, why issue it in the first place?”
— Saurabh Bharadwaj

Bharadwaj alleged that this was not an isolated incident, citing earlier reports that two ministerial bungalows had been allotted to Rekha Gupta—a break from tradition, as ministers are typically allotted only one residence. Additional portacabins are usually provided for office use, not multiple full-fledged homes.

🛋️ What Was in the Tender?

According to Bharadwaj, the now-cancelled tender contained items of significant luxury, including:

• 14 air conditioners
• Five LCD TVs (four 55-inch and one 65-inch)
• A 10-litre microwave oven with an LCD display
• Multiple geysers
• Complete replacement of electric wiring and LED fittings

“AAP wants to know — was there never a need for these items in the first place? If not, why was such a lavish tender floated to begin with?” Bharadwaj said, calling the cancellation possibly a “ploy” to get the same luxuries installed “through backdoor means.”

He added that the move to cancel was likely in response to mounting public pressure, media scrutiny, and criticism on social media platforms.

“I believe the BJP buckled under public pressure, the criticism by AAP, and the backlash on social media. That’s why the tender was scrapped,” said Bharadwaj.

🏛️ CM Rekha Gupta Under Spotlight

The controversy comes shortly after CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated her camp office, an event attended by her husband Manish Gupta, son Nikunj Gupta, Ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Manoj Tiwari, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

With attention now squarely on Gupta, AAP has demanded a full public explanation. Bharadwaj questioned whether the bungalow, used by previous ministers without such upgrades, suddenly required a luxury overhaul.

“That bungalow has been used by ministers before. Why were such extravagant items suddenly deemed necessary? Rekha Gupta must come clean,” he said.

As questions swirl, transparency and responsible governance have become central to the discussion, with opposition parties vowing to keep the matter in public discourse until answers are provided.