PWD Cancels Tender for Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s Bungalow Renovation, AAP Questions U-turn

In a surpise move, the Public Works Department (PWD) has cancelled the high-profile tender for the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence, just days after the bid process was initiated.

The tender, floated on June 28, involved extensive renovation of Bungalow Number 1, focusing on the replacement of electrical wiring, fittings, fixtures, and a host of high-end electrical installations. The project was estimated to cost around Rs 60 lakh, with Rs 11.11 lakh earmarked specifically for air conditioners.

The proposed work included the installation of 14 air conditioners, five LED TVs (four 55-inch and one 65-inch), an electric fireplace, chandeliers, ambient wall lighting, geysers, energy-efficient fans, and other modern fixtures. The work was expected to be completed within 60 days.

PWD had scheduled the bid opening for July 4, but abruptly cancelled the process without providing a detailed explanation. A separate tender for additional renovation at the Chief Minister’s nearby camp office was also expected to follow.

AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the sudden move, demanding that CM Rekha Gupta break her silence on the matter.

“If such luxuries were genuinely required, why cancel the tender? And if they weren't, why issue it in the first place?” he asked.

He further said, “A few days ago, reports emerged that Rekha Gupta had got not one but two ministerial bungalows allotted for herself — an unprecedented move, given that earlier ministers were allotted only one bungalow, with portacabins provided for office use. Soon after, the PWD floated a massive tender for the renovation of her bungalow.”

Bharadwaj went on to reveal specific details from the tender, which had already been widely circulated in the public domain. “The tender included 14 air conditioners, five LCD TVs (four 55-inch and one 65-inch), a 10-litre microwave oven with LCD display, geysers, new electric wiring, LED fittings, and much more,” he said.

“Now we hear that the tender has been cancelled. 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?” he asked further.

He also raised concerns over possible misuse of funds through unofficial means. “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,” Bharadwaj added.

Demanding a direct response from the Chief Minister, he said, “Was there no need for these luxury fittings? If there was a need, why was the tender cancelled? That bungalow has been used by ministers before. Why were such extravagant items suddenly deemed necessary? Rekha Gupta must come clean.”

The controversy comes days after Rekha Gupta inaugurated her camp office. The event was attended by her husband Manish Gupta, son Nikunj Gupta, as well as BJP leaders Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Manoj Tiwari, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

Also Read: Delhi CM’s Residence to Shine with ₹60 Lakh High-End Renovation