CM designate Rekha Gupta's bold pledge: 'I will live with janta, not in Sheesh Mahal' | WATCH

New Delhi: Rekha Gupta, Delhi's Chief Minister-designate, has made a bold statement ahead of her swearing-in, taking a strong stance against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Gupta, who is set to assume office, sharply criticised the AAP leadership, pledging to live "with the Janta, not in Sheesh Mahal."

Her remarks are seen as part of her effort to emphasise a new era of transparency and accountability, especially after the 12-year rule of AAP in Delhi. Gupta took aim at the alleged corruption during AAP's tenure, declaring, “For the past 12 years, AAP has ruled Delhi, and the issues of corruption are on their shoulders. They will have to account for every rupee of the public. Anyone who indulged in corruption will have to give an account of every rupee.”

Gupta's statement follows mounting criticism of the lavish spending on the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister, known as the "Sheesh Mahal." Gupta has expressed plans to convert the extravagant residence into a museum. The mansion had been at the center of controversy, with accusations of misuse of public funds to fund luxury renovations during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister.

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has ordered a detailed probe into the alleged merger of properties at Flagstaff Road bungalow, including the extensive expenses incurred on renovations. These reports have highlighted the astronomical costs involved in the renovations, such as Rs 77 lakh on a television, Rs 50 lakh on a silk carpet, Rs 42 lakh on brass railings, Rs 20 lakh on a spa, Rs 18 lakh on a hot water generator, and Rs 12 lakh on toilet seats.

As Gupta prepares to take charge of Delhi, she is set to lead a cabinet comprising six prominent ministers, including Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh. The appointments were officially confirmed by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issuing a Gazette notification.

A grand oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place at Ramlila Maidan, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. High-profile attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Cabinet members, and Chief Ministers from various states, are anticipated to be present at the event.