Delhi's New Chief Minister Faces Opposition Over Residence Controversy
The recent allocation of a government residence to Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ignited a political firestorm, with the Aam Aadmi Party labeling it 'Maya Mahal.' As Gupta marks her first 100 days in office, the opposition is questioning her housing choice while she focuses on transforming the capital. This article delves into the implications of this controversy, the public's reaction, and the evolving landscape of Delhi's political scene. Will the AAP's criticisms hold weight, or is it time for a new political discourse?
| Jun 7, 2025, 13:28 IST
Political Tensions Surround New Government Residence
During her tenure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had constructed a lavish residence for the Chief Minister, but now they are labeling the new home of Delhi's BJP Chief Minister as 'Maya Mahal.' Following the completion of her first 100 days in office, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has faced political backlash from the opposition AAP regarding her newly designated government residence. Observers note that Gupta's commitment to transforming Delhi's future has left little room for criticism, prompting the opposition to focus on her housing situation instead.
Since taking office, Rekha Gupta has been residing at her family home in Shalimar Bagh. The allocation of a government bungalow on Raj Niwas Marg has sparked controversy, with AAP drawing comparisons to previous administrations. Notably, former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit lived in a government bungalow in the Lutyens zone, while Arvind Kejriwal had a grand residence built at significant expense. In contrast, Gupta has been assigned a standard bungalow in accordance with her official protocol.
Opposition's Claims and Public Reaction
The AAP has raised alarms over the new bungalow, dubbing it 'Maya Mahal.' Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP MLA Anil Jha have alleged that the BJP, which has long claimed to advocate for simplicity, is now potentially providing Gupta with two adjacent bungalows, each with 15 rooms, for her use. Renovation orders for these properties have reportedly been issued.
Despite these claims, there has been no official response from the Delhi government or the BJP. However, the public is questioning how AAP can overlook Kejriwal's own lavish residence at 6 Flagstaff Road, known as 'Sheesh Mahal.' The party, which emerged from a movement promising honest politics, has seen its leaders, including Kejriwal, accused of various scandals and often summoned by investigative agencies.
The Changing Landscape of Delhi Politics
While the opposition has the right to question Gupta, it is essential that their inquiries are grounded in fact. The era of baseless political accusations should be over, and if AAP has not recognized this shift, it raises concerns about their understanding of contemporary political dynamics.