Ex-servicemen NGO revives protest against former president Patil

As reported by The Indian Express on March 12,the built up area of the Raigad Bungalow which is being renovated by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has been increased from 2,906 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft.

Patil said the former President,who was then the supreme commander of the armed forces,should get what she is entitled to but bending rules to get a bigger accommodation using public money was not acceptable.

“She is taking undue advantage of her post. Because of allotment of the Raigad bungalow to her,two top police officials are struggling to find their official residences. She should give up the Raigad bungalow and take up Rajbhavan as her official accommodation for rest of her life,” Patil said.

Patil added that the Rajbhavan,which is the official accommodation for the Governor of Maharashtra had been vacant for years. “If she stays there,deployment of additional policemen for her security won’t be necessary as the Rajbhavan already has enough security”.

Patil said his organisation would soon start a signature and an online campaign urging Puneites for a social boycott of the former President. We will put up banners in important junctions and public places and use the social media to spread the word. “We would also urge schools and NGOs and other organisation not to invite her as chief guest to functions. We hope this will serve as a lessons for others,” he said.