The controversy regarding occupation of government bungalows in Delhi is once again in the headlines. The country’s two major political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, have been using Lutyens’ Delhi bungalows as their party offices for a long time. However, as per government rules, these bungalows must be vacated within three years of the land being allotted for the party office or the construction being completed. But both the parties are still in possession of these bungalows.
BJP and Congress have not yet vacated the bungalows
According to sources, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had issued a notice to the Congress in 2018 to vacate these bungalows. After this, Congress vacated two government bungalows, but is still using two government bungalows on Akbar Road and Raisina Road.
BJP is also not following this rule. The party is still using two government bungalows located on Ashoka Road and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Marg. According to TOI report, at present a total of 6 government bungalows are occupied by different political parties.
Violation of government rules
As per government rules:
- Political parties must vacate government bungalows within three years of allotment of land for party office or completion of construction.
- The objective of these rules is to ensure proper and timely utilization of government property.
However, both BJP and Congress seem to be in no mood to vacate these bungalows yet.
Bungalow issue heated up in Delhi elections
The controversy over government bungalows increased the political heat during the Delhi Assembly elections.
- BJP’s Delhi State President Virendra Sachdeva launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.
- Sachdeva alleged that Atishi owned two government bungalows.
- Reaching the bungalow located at 17 AB Mathura Road, he called Atishi ‘Bungalow Goddess’ and raised the question as to how many bungalows she is entitled to.
BJP’s allegation
- Virendra Sachdeva said that Atishi was allotted this bungalow, but he used it to house his political associates.
- He asked that if Arvind Kejriwal was the Chief Minister from 2015 to 2024, then why was 6 Flag Staff Road not declared the Chief Minister’s residence?
Pressure on Congress and BJP to follow rules
The controversy over the use of government bungalows is not limited to Delhi only. The issue highlights misuse of government assets and violation of rules.
- Opposition parties and the general public believe that government rules should be strictly followed.
- Political parties should move out of government bungalows after being allotted land for their party offices.
