Delhi’s Chief Minister-elect Rekha Gupta vows to transform the former residence of ex-CM Arvind Kejriwal, dubbed ‘Sheeshmahal’ by the BJP, into a museum. In her statements to NDTV, she committed to fulfilling all promises made by Prime Minister Modi and expressed gratitude for her appointment, marking a significant moment for women in leadership. Gupta will be the BJP’s fourth Chief Minister in Delhi and aims to prioritize women’s rights. Following her election win from Shalimar Bagh, she met with the Lieutenant Governor to claim the government formation, with her cabinet consisting of six ministers.
New Delhi:
Delhi’s Chief Minister-elect, Rekha Gupta, who is set to take the oath of office today, has pledged to transform the former official residence of ex-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, referred to by the BJP as ‘Sheeshmahal’, into a museum. In an interview with NDTV, Ms. Gupta also promised to deliver on all commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We will turn Sheeshmahal into a museum… Additionally, we will fulfill all the promises made by PM Modi. I express my gratitude to him for selecting me for this role,” she stated.
The BJP has been critiquing Mr. Kejriwal regarding the renovations of the bungalow located at 6 Flagstaff Road in the national capital. The lavishly rebuilt bungalow, which spans 40,000 square yards, was Mr. Kejriwal’s official residence from 2015 until October 2024, when he exited following significant political pressure from the BJP.
A report from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), released in October 2024, revealed opulent renovations and high-end appliances outfitted in the bungalow. Consequently, the Centre initiated an investigation into the alleged irregularities related to the renovation of ‘Sheeshmahal’ last week and directed the CPWD to carry out a thorough inquiry into claims of violations in building regulations concerning the bungalow’s construction.
Rekha Gupta: BJP’s 4th Delhi Chief Minister
Ms. Gupta, who triumphed in Shalimar Bagh by defeating AAP candidate Bandana Kumari during the assembly elections, is set to be sworn in today at an elaborate ceremony at Ramlila ground in Delhi. She will become the BJP’s fourth Chief Minister in Delhi and only the fourth woman to occupy the position in the national capital.
Ms. Gupta was appointed as the Chief Minister during a BJP legislature party meeting the previous evening. Shortly thereafter, she met with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and laid claim to form the government. Delhi’s cabinet will include six ministers: Parvesh Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh.
There were initial discussions about ‘giant-slayer’ Parvesh Verma, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, being selected for the top position. Mr. Verma defeated Mr. Kejriwal by more than 4,000 votes in the New Delhi assembly constituency. However, as Ms. Gupta’s name was announced, she clarified that Mr. Verma is “not angry”.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Gupta told NDTV, “I want to express my thanks to PM Modi, the BJP high command, and the people of Delhi for granting me this opportunity. After 27 years, a new chapter is commencing. It is a moment of pride for women across the country. We have claimed our right to form the government… fulfilling each and every commitment made by the BJP is the ultimate goal of my life.”
She emphasized that issues concerning women will be her primary focus, stating, “Their battle for rights… they will receive their rights”.