7 Day Notice to MPs to Vacate Bungalows Is ‘Harsh’: Congress

The Parliament building in New Delhi.

(Photo: Reuters)

The Congress on Monday, 19 August, termed as "harsh" and "discriminatory" the seven-day notice period given to former MPs to vacate government accommodation and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "hypocrisy".

Cracking a whip on former Members of Parliament overstaying at their official bungalows in Lutyens' Delhi, a Lok Sabha panel ordered them to vacate their residence within a week.

CR Patil, Chairman of the Lok Sabha Housing Committee, said the panel called a meeting on Monday where it was decided that in three days, power, water and gas connections will be snapped.

Congress Accuses PM Modi of Hypocrisy

Reacting to the development, Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma tweeted saying secretaries to the Government retain accommodation for six months.

What Happened ?

The development came a day after PTI reported that more than 200 former Lok Sabha MPs have still not vacated their official bungalows in New Delhi.

However, no MPs have stated that they will not vacate their bungalow, Patil said.

According to the rules, former MPs have to vacate their respective bungalows within one month of dissolution of the previous Lok Sabha.

President Ram Nath Kovind had on 25 May dissolved the 16th Lok Sabha with immediate effect on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet after the Modi government was formed for a second term.

A source has told PTI that as these former MPs have not vacated their bungalows located in Lutyens' Delhi, newly-elected MPs, who won in the Lok Sabha election, have been staying at temporary accommodation.

(The copy has been edited for clarity)