Why the Union Govt has asked Congress to vacate two bungalows in its possession on Delhi’s Akbar Road and Raisina Road

Introduction

The Union government has directed the Congress party to vacate two prominent bungalows in Delhi located on Akbar Road and Raisina Road, sparking a political controversy. The move is based on long-standing government accommodation rules.

Policy Behind the Decision

According to a 2006 policy of the Land & Development Office (L&DO), political parties allotted land for building their own offices must vacate government bungalows within a specified timeframe. This is aimed at ensuring fair use of limited government housing resources.

Congress’s New Headquarters

The Congress party has already constructed its new headquarters, Indira Bhawan, on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. As per rules, once the new office becomes functional, the party is required to vacate previously allotted government accommodations.

Properties Under Dispute

The eviction notice applies to two key properties:

24 Akbar Road – the long-time headquarters of the Congress party
5 Raisina Road – used by the party’s youth wing

Previous Cancellation of Allotment

Government records indicate that the allotment of these properties was cancelled as early as 2013. While one bungalow was vacated earlier, the two remaining properties continued to be occupied.

Political Reactions

The Congress party has strongly criticised the move, calling it politically motivated and alleging selective enforcement of rules. Party leaders argue that the Akbar Road office holds historical significance and that rent has been paid for continued use.

Government’s Stand

The Centre maintains that the decision is purely administrative and based on policy compliance. Officials state that similar rules apply to all political parties and that the action is part of enforcing existing norms.

Possible Legal Battle

The issue may now move to the courts, as Congress is considering legal options to challenge the eviction notice. The outcome could set a precedent for how government accommodation rules are enforced for political parties.

Conclusion

The eviction notice highlights the intersection of administrative policy and political tensions. While the government cites rule enforcement, the opposition views it as a targeted move, making it a developing political issue.