Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a substantial allocation of over Rs 900 crore aimed at providing basic amenities in slum clusters, in a move she termed a priority for the new government. Gupta's remarks come as she criticized the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, famously dubbing its former chief minister's official residence a "Sheesh Mahal" due to its opulence and neglect of the needs of slumdwellers.
The BJP, which returned to power in Delhi after more than 26 years, campaigned primarily on a narrative of corruption, targeting AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal. In her announcement made on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Gupta outlined the city government's budget for 2025-26, which has an impressive outlay of Rs 1 trillion—a 31.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.
In a playful jab at AAP, Gupta suggested the lavish residence would be included in Delhi's tourism circuit, using this line to further critique the prior administration's priorities. "We will include the 'Sheesh Mahal' too, as a tourist destination and show it to people through tickets," she said, highlighting the disparity between the development of governmental facilities and the needs of the urban poor.
The budget reflects Gupta's commitment to rejuvenate slum conditions, with Rs 696 crore allocated specifically for the development of slums and jhuggi-jhopri colonies—an increase of 157 percent from last year. Additionally, the plan includes Rs 230 crore for infrastructure work targeting the improvement of streets, drains, toilets, and bathrooms for women in these informal settlements. This is a stark contrast to the paltry Rs 42 crore allocated by AAP for similar projects in the last budget.
During her presentation, Gupta underscored the critical need for these investments, noting that a large segment of Delhi's population resides in slums where basic amenities such as water and sanitation facilities continue to be lacking. She stated, "Providing basic amenities in slums and jhuggi-jhopri colonies is the top priority of this government."
In line with these changes, the new BJP administration aims also to adopt the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban to ensure that the urban poor receive proper housing assistance. Gupta announced an allocation of Rs 20 crore for implementing this scheme, aiming to make significant improvements in housing accessibility for the economically disadvantaged.
As part of a broader vision for tourism development, Gupta mentioned incorporating new landmarks in the city’s tourism offerings including Kartvya Path, Bharat Mandapam, Amrit Udyan, the new Parliament building, and the National War Memorial. The ambitious plans indicate not just a response to the criticisms levied against the previous government but an attempt to reshape the narrative around development in Delhi.
The current administration's strategy aims not just to rebuild infrastructure but to transform the lives of Delhi's slumdwellers, addressing long-standing grievances and ensuring that public funds serve the common good. With a focus on accountability and transparency, the BJP hopes to rebuild trust among the residents who felt abandoned during the prior administration's term.
As discussions continue around housing policies and the implications of the BJP's budgetary allocations, the forthcoming months will be critical in assessing the impact on Delhi’s marginalized communities. The extent to which these plans will materialize and improve the living conditions in slums will determine the effectiveness of Gupta's new approach to governance.
With the commitment to build "houses for the poor and toilets for slumdwellers," as promised by Gupta, the BJP administration has set ambitious goals that could potentially reshape the urban landscape of Delhi and ensure that its most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.
