100 Days, No Official Residence: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Says, “I Can Work Even on the Road”

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th May: It’s been over three months since Rekha Gupta took charge as the Chief Minister of Delhi, but she’s yet to receive an official residence. Even after clocking 100 days in office on Friday, the BJP leader continues to work from her modest home in Shalimar Bagh — a far cry from the grand bungalows once occupied by her predecessors.

In a city where power is often measured by the address you hold, Gupta’s grounded approach is raising eyebrows and admiration alike. When asked about not having a designated home yet, her response was both defiant and down-to-earth: “As the Chief Minister of Delhi, I can work for the people even on the road.”

Her recent visit to the historic Sessions House in Civil Lines triggered whispers that she may soon move into the area. The 2 North End Road bungalow is currently home to Tis Hazari’s sessions judges, but it’s just a stone’s throw from 6, Flagstaff Road — the residence Arvind Kejriwal once occupied and which later came to be dubbed the “Sheesh Mahal” due to alleged corruption in its extravagant renovation. Gupta, however, has already made it clear she has no interest in living in that bungalow, rejecting it on ethical and political grounds.

Sources suggest she has also been scouting for other government bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi, but no final decision has been made. The lack of a dedicated official home for Delhi’s CM — unlike in most states — means leaders often have to choose from available government properties. Gupta’s predecessor Atishi stayed briefly at AB-17, Mathura Road, which has housed several former leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sheila Dikshit.

Interestingly, another bungalow — 33 Sham Nath Marg — was once thought to be jinxed, as former Chief Ministers Brahm Prakash and Madan Lal Khurana failed to complete their terms while living there. It has since been converted into an office space.

Government rules mandate that outgoing ministers vacate their residences within 15 days of leaving office. But as Gupta’s case shows, moving in isn’t always as swift or straightforward — especially when politics, legacy, and public perception come into play.

Still, Gupta remains unfazed. From her home constituency to the corridors of power, she’s choosing to focus on governance rather than address labels. Whether she ends up in Civil Lines or stays put in Shalimar Bagh, one thing is clear: she’s not letting the lack of a bungalow slow her down.