Ajit Singh never raised memorial demand during UPA’s tenure, says official

“He has already moved out his belongings, including furniture, but now the strategy his supporters have adopted is squat at the bungalow.

It has become a law and order issue now,” the official said.

Since he was served an eviction notice, Singh’s supporters have been demanding that the12, Tughlaq Road bungalow be turned into a memorial to his father, former Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh.

The allotment of the Type-VIII bungalow to Singh was cancelled on May 30 and he was given time until June 26 to vacate the house. “He lost the elections and ceased to be a Cabinet minister. The bungalow belongs to the general pool category. So, it had to be taken back,” the official said.

Despite the order, Singh asked for an extension and was served an eviction notice on July 24. “As per the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, a showcause notice was issued to him on August 8, giving him an opportunity to present his case. He was represented by a lawyer and, after hearing him, the authority concerned issued the eviction order. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) then disconnected electricity and water supply, a good 80 days after he was served the first notice to vacate the bungalow,” the official said.

It was during the NDA government’s tenure in 2000 that the Union Cabinet had taken a decision not to convert government bungalows into memorials.

“He has been part of the UPA government and, if any such request was to be made, it should have been made then. Even now, he has not made any personal request nor written any letter, he is doing shadow-boxing. This is arm-twisting the government,” the official said.

“Singh met Naidu twice. Naidu told him that no further extension was allowed and also explained to him the problems being faced in allotting official accommodation to the new ministers, who are staying in hotels and guesthouses,” the official said.