Congress may be asked to vacate its Delhi headquarters
The BJP Government may propose that Congress empty its headquarters on 24 Akbar Road and three other bungalows in Lutyens' Delhi. Market rent on the same since June 2013 is also being demanded. Two years ago, in February 2015, Congress was asked to vacate four government bungalows in Delhi. A notice was served to the Congress party when the lease ran out.
The story of Congress headquarters
In the year 2010, in June, land was designated to Congress for building an office for their party on 9-A Rouse Avenue. Government policies on allocation of land to political parties allow parties up to 3 years to build their office after land allocation. According to these rules, Congress was expected to empty four properties by June 2013.
Congress's response to the situation
Motilal Vora, treasurer, said, "We have an extension of time to build our new party office till 2018. We are paying the rent which we are required to." Other senior members stated that despite of being allotted land in the year 2010, their building plan was approved in 2015. "Congress has sought it be allowed to use the bungalows till February 2018", they said.
Issue remains to be addressed
An official from the Urban Development Ministry said, "This issue still stands. The issue of eviction proceedings will be addressed by urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu."
Penal rent for extension of stay
Congress pays less than half the market rate for the four bungalows altogether. According to the Directorate of Estates record, monthly rent paid by Congress is between Rs.26,000-77,000. The market rate, termed by the government as "damage charges" that should be paid are between Rs.67,000-Rs.2.33 lakh a month. The Urban Development Ministry officials want Congress to pay penalty for their overstay.
