Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has, for the first time, opened up about her decision not to move into the controversial ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ the lavish CM residence built under the leadership of former CM Arvind Kejriwal. Instead, Gupta has chosen to shift into a renovated bungalow on Raj Niwas Marg, which is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to be ready by Navratri.

In a candid appearance on Rajat Sharma’s iconic show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, which airs tonight at 10 PM on India TV, CM Rekha Gupta explained her reasons in a way that reflects her connect with the common man. When asked why she declined to occupy the multi-crore official residence, Gupta responded simply but strongly, “Neend Nahin Aati.” She went on to elaborate, “I see how the people of Delhi are suffering, and Kejriwal Saheb was enjoying while staying there. Woh pardey bhi nahin kholte they. Janata ki awaaz unke kaanon tak nahin jaati thi.”

The India TV press release detailed how Rekha Gupta slammed the previous regime for creating a disconnect between the CM’s residence and the public. She said Kejriwal remained confined within his heavily guarded home, and even his own party MLAs allegedly never saw the Sachivalaya (Secretariat). “Today that secretariat has been opened to thousands of people. Earlier, entry to the corridors was restricted,” she stated.

Gupta also addressed the recent PWD tender notice issued on June 28 for her upcoming official residence, which mentions installations such as 24 air-conditioners, chandeliers, 5 smart TVs, and CCTV security, among others. Responding to criticism, she drew a sharp comparison: “The man (Kejriwal) who had claimed he would never take a bungalow or car, spent Rs 80 crore of hard-earned money for his personal luxury. His curtains alone cost several crores. Today, even after four months as CM, I do not have an official residence. I sit on a table and chair on the road to hear people’s problems.”

She emphasized that she would only move into a home that is accessible to all. “My home and residence are open to all who want to meet me. I am your CM, my time is yours and my home is yours. Today, my residence is being renovated at a cost that Kejriwal Saheb used for buying doormats and curtains,” Gupta added, reaffirming that she does not hold secret meetings or use dozens of cell phones like the previous government allegedly did.

When asked what will now happen to the infamous ‘Sheesh Mahal’, Gupta remarked, “Hamari yojana hai ki janata ka paisa jo wahan barbaad kiya, humari koshish rahegi ki hum aisa nirnay lein ki woh paisa phir se khazane mein aaye aur usse janata ka laabh ho, kaam ho.”

The Chief Minister also touched upon a range of issues in the show including the Yamuna cleaning drive, state of slums, air pollution, and the education and healthcare systems. On the Yamuna front, she detailed how her government has launched a Rs.9,000 crore action plan, aimed at improving BOD levels, fixing dysfunctional STPs, and laying sewer lines in over 1,700 unconnected colonies. “We are working with Haryana and UP to increase the e-flow of the Yamuna,” she said.

Reacting to Kejriwal’s remarks on slum demolitions and his alleged warning that “Naani yaad aa jayegi” if slum dwellers come out on the streets, Gupta said, “Why should I remember my Naani? For 27 years, including 12 years of Kejriwal’s rule, no houses were built for the poor. Today we are actually building and distributing flats to slum dwellers.”

She did not spare Kejriwal’s flagship healthcare initiative either, calling Mohalla Clinics a “fraud”. “They set up porta cabins on drains, appointed doctors at Rs 40 per patient and called it healthcare. There were no medicines, no vaccinations, just fake numbers. In contrast, our Aarogya Mandirs are functioning primary hospitals with staff, facilities and tests.”

She also criticised the civil defence recruitment model under AAP, stating that 25,000 people were appointed for tasks like monitoring odd-even traffic without proper structure or sustainability. “One man holding a placard was paid Rs.1,000 per day. Even an engineer doesn’t earn that,” she added. Gupta informed that her government will now give 1,500 permanent nursing jobs, marking a shift from the contractual chaos.’

On Delhi’s notorious air pollution and the recent fuel ban for 10- to 15-year-old petrol and diesel vehicles, Gupta made her position clear. “The order was issued by CAQM, not by us. I will ensure that no injustice is done to people. Why is it that old vehicles can run in neighbouring NCR areas but not in Delhi?”

The show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ featuring CM Rekha Gupta airs tonight at 10 pm on India TV, with repeat telecasts scheduled for Sunday at 10 am and 10 pm.