A recent Times of India report has revealed details about the allotment of government bungalows in Lutyens' Delhi to political parties. According to a written reply submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the Lok Sabha, the Congress party is the only one currently holding two government bungalows, while BJP, AAP, BSP, and NPP have one each.

Two Government Bungalows Allotted to Congress

Congress has been allotted two prominent bungalows:

• 24, Akbar Road, which serves as the headquarters of the Indian National Congress, allotted in 1990.

• 5, Raisina Road, the office of the Youth Congress, allotted way back in 1976.

These two addresses have long been recognized as significant landmarks for Congress supporters and political observers alike. The fact that the party still occupies two central Delhi properties makes it unique among all national political parties at present.

BJP Holds One, Vacated Another

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been allotted the bungalow at:

• 9, Pandit Pant Marg, which it has occupied since 1999.

Interestingly, the party has vacated its old headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, which had been a hub for BJP activities for many years. That bungalow has now been allotted to Baijayant Panda, a BJP Lok Sabha MP from Odisha.

AAP, BSP, and NPP Also Hold One Bungalow Each

Besides Congress and BJP, other national parties recognized by the Election Commission have been allotted bungalows too:

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received 1, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane in July 2023.

• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was allotted 29, Lodhi Estate, also in 2023.

• National People's Party (NPP) has held 75, North Avenue since August 2021.

These allocations ensure that all six recognized national parties currently have access to government-provided spaces for official functions and meetings.

Ministry's Clarification on Allotments

Responding to a question raised by Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs clarified in the Lok Sabha that:

• Six bungalows are currently allotted to Election Commission-approved national political parties.

• No party has ever been denied a government bungalow for office purposes.

This clarification aims to avoid any misunderstanding about preferential treatment or denial in bungalow allotments across party lines.

Land Allotments to Regional and State Units

Apart from bungalow allotments, the Central Government has also made land allotments in Delhi to various regional and state political parties, including:

• Samajwadi Party

• Rashtriya Lok Dal

• Janata Dal (United)

• DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)

• AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)

In addition, land parcels have also been allotted to the:

• Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee

• Delhi Unit of BJP

These land allotments are meant for the construction of permanent office spaces in the national capital, ensuring all major parties have appropriate infrastructure.

Allotment Rules and 2012 Policy Reminder

As per the 2012 policy on land allotment, any national political party that is allotted land to build its office must:

• Vacate the government bungalow or suites (like those in Vithalbhai Patel House) once their new office construction is complete.

• Ensure that they move out within three years from the date of taking possession of the allotted land, even if the construction is incomplete.

This rule is aimed at ensuring optimal utilization of government properties, avoiding prolonged occupation of temporary accommodations, and promoting accountability.

Historical Significance of Some Addresses

Many of these bungalows are not just addresses—they are power centers:

• 24, Akbar Road has seen decades of major political decisions from the Congress leadership.

• 11, Ashoka Road, although now vacated, was once considered the nerve center of BJP’s rise in national politics.

The fact that newer parties like AAP have also been brought into this fold shows the evolving political landscape, with equity in resource allocation.

Symbolism and Infrastructure Politics

The issue of bungalow allotment often leads to political debates, but it also highlights:

• How party infrastructure reflects national political stature.

• The role of state support in enabling political parties to function smoothly.

While the Congress retaining two bungalows might be seen as a legacy holdover, other parties increasingly rely on land allotments for building their own independent premises in central Delhi.

Final Thoughts

The latest details presented in the Lok Sabha by the Housing Ministry provide transparency into how prime government properties are distributed among national political parties. As election season nears, such discussions around infrastructure access will remain relevant, especially as parties gear up for campaigns and public outreach.

The allotments, though administrative in nature, often reflect larger political shifts—from legacy holders like Congress, to emerging players like AAP and NPP. These insights offer a glimpse into the bureaucratic and infrastructural backbone that supports India’s democratic machinery.

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