Jagmohan ready to go, Sibal lingers

Another bungalow, 19 Teen Murti Marg, in keeping with his new status, was allotted to him ‘‘nearly two months ago.’’ But he has neither shifted out of his old house nor cited any reason, sources said.

With Sibal breaking the bungalow chain, two others — Rajasekhar Murthy who was suppose to occupy Sibal’s Purana Qila house and K. Munniappa who was to occupy the Murthy’s bungalow — remain without official residences.

Jagmohan surprised the Ministry by declaring he would vacate his bungalow by November 10. This, after he wrote to the Ministry that he should be allowed to stay at 61, Lodhi Estate due to security reasons even though he lost the elections and, therefore, was not entitled to any government housing. He cited the cases of Priyanka Gandhi, K.P.S. Gill, M.S. Bitta and Ashwini Kumar, all allowed to occupy official residences —— in Lodhi Estate —— due to security reasons.

However, Ministry officials point out that Jagmohan has only Z-plus security cover and the above four are protected by the Special Protection Group.

And Jagmohan, as Urban Development Minister, had moved a Cabinet note in 2000 making it a rule that none except those protected by the SPG should be given extension of stay in their government residence. ‘‘How can he now want us to overrule a rule that was created by him?’’ a source asked. Besides, sources also pointed out the security issue is dealt with by the Home Ministry and not by the Urban Development Ministry.

Jagmohan had offered to pay rent at the market rate —— Rs 30,000 per month. The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation is meeting soon to implement the previous government’s order on giving Priyanka, Bitta, Kumar and Gill a discount on their rents. Since last September, Priyanka is paying Rs 52,000 as rent as per the market rate for her 37, Lodhi Estate house.