Did Delhi Speaker Spend Rs 2.35 Crore on House Renovation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The allegations against Speaker Gupta highlight concerns about government spending.
- Gupta has demanded an apology and retraction from Yadav.
- The controversy underscores the importance of transparency in public office.
- The situation reflects broader issues faced by Delhi residents, such as power and water shortages.
- Political discourse must be grounded in factual accuracy.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) - In a new political upheaval, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has accused Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav of disseminating falsehoods regarding the purportedly exorbitant renovation costs for his official residence.
In a letter sent to Yadav via his secretary, Gupta criticized Yadav’s claims, which labeled the Speaker's official residence as 'Shauch Mahal' and alleged a renovation cost of Rs 2.35 crore, including an ultra-luxurious toilet or ‘Shauchalay’.
“The Speaker has firmly rejected your claims and emphasized that such statements to the media, without verifying the facts or truth, should be avoided,” stated Gupta’s secretary, Vineet Kumar.
Kumar’s correspondence urged Yadav to “immediately retract your statements and provide an unconditional written apology within three days of receiving this letter.”
Gupta also reminded Yadav, a former Member of the Delhi Assembly, to show respect toward the Office of the Speaker and refrain from creating controversies for political gain.
The letter referenced Yadav’s allegations, highlighting media reports suggesting that the Speaker’s official residence is undergoing renovations costing Rs 2.35 crore, with Rs 94.69 lakh specifically allocated for bathrooms and toilets. The communication also pointed out that the address Yadav provided for the Speaker's residence, 9, Shamnath Marg, is incorrect.
Previously, Yadav criticized BJP leaders for allegedly squandering taxpayer funds on lavish lifestyles while residents of Delhi endure hardships due to ongoing power outages and a lack of drinkable water.
He condemned the BJP leaders' extravagant living, referring to the Speaker's official bungalow as “Shauch Mahal” (Toilet Palace), similar to his earlier remarks about Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's residence, which he labeled as 'Phoolkumari Niwas'.
Yadav provided documents claiming that costly tiles, showers, fittings, and basins comprise this so-called “royal renovation” of the Speaker's residence, with an additional Rs 94.93 lakh spent on electrical work and Rs 44.82 lakh on other repairs and beautification.
He expressed shock that this expenditure significantly surpasses that of the Chief Minister’s residence renovation.