Government accommodation is meant to provide elected representatives with a place to stay while they carry out their public duties. But in Gujarat’s capital, a question is being raised over why several MLAs continue to occupy their old government quarters even after receiving new, well-equipped flats worth crores of rupees.
More than 40 legislators, including ministers and members of different political parties, have reportedly not vacated their old MLA quarters. The new flats were allotted around Diwali last year, but many legislators continue to hold on to both properties.
The issue has drawn attention because the government has spent around ₹220 crore on the new residential complex for MLAs. While the old quarters were reportedly in a dilapidated condition, the continued occupation of these properties has raised questions about the use of government accommodation and the delay in making it available to others.
Old Quarters Still Occupied Despite New Flats
The new flats have been designed to provide legislators with modern facilities. Each flat reportedly has two master bedrooms, two additional rooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, a waiting room and office space.
The complex also includes facilities such as air conditioners, refrigerators, geysers and LED televisions. A community hall, garden and health club have also been provided.
Despite these facilities, several MLAs have reportedly continued to occupy their old quarters, which are said to be available at a nominal rent of around ₹1.25 per day.
The old accommodation was meant to be vacated after the new flats were allotted. Notices have reportedly been issued asking the legislators to leave the quarters, but many properties remain occupied.
Ministers and Senior Leaders Among Those Yet to Vacate
The list of legislators who have reportedly retained their old quarters includes several ministers and senior political figures.
Among the ministers named are Rivaba Jadeja, Pravin Mali, Kanti Amrutiya and Swaroopji Thakor. Assembly Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi has also been named in connection with the issue.
Other BJP legislators reportedly occupying their old quarters include Alpesh Thakor, C.K. Raulji, Fatesinh Chauhan, Kirit Singh Dabhi, Lavingji Solanki, Mahesh Bhuriya, Sardarsinh Chaudhary, C.G. Chavda, Prabhubha Manek, Chirag Patel, Arun Singh Rana, Laxmansinh Thakor, Ramesh Katara, Shambhunath Tudia, Rajesh Zala, Hira Solanki, Mohan Konkani, Mahendra Bhabhor and Ritesh Vasava.
The matter is not limited to the ruling party. Several opposition legislators have also reportedly retained their old accommodation.
Congress, AAP and Other Party MLAs Also Named
Among the Congress legislators named are state Congress president Amit Chavda, Jignesh Mevani, Shailesh Parmar, Kirti Patel and Kanti Kharadi.
The AAP legislators reportedly yet to vacate their quarters include Chaitar Vasava, Hemant Khava and Sudhir Vaghani.
Independent legislators Dhavalsinh Zala and Mavji Desai, along with NCP MLA Kandhal Jadeja, have also been named.
The presence of legislators from different parties has brought the issue beyond the usual ruling party-versus-opposition debate. It has raised questions about whether the rules governing government accommodation are being followed equally by elected representatives across political parties.
Government Quarters Could Have Been Allotted to Others
One of the main concerns is that government accommodation remains occupied even as other people wait for housing.
According to official sources cited in the report, several government employees are on waiting lists for accommodation. If the old MLA quarters were vacated, these properties could potentially be allotted to employees who need them.
Instead, the continued occupation of the quarters has delayed their availability for other eligible occupants.
The report also raises concerns that some legislators may have allowed relatives, students preparing for competitive examinations in Gandhinagar, or security personnel attached to ministers to stay in the properties.
There are also allegations that some legislators may be collecting rent from people staying in these quarters. However, these claims are presented as reports and discussions rather than established findings.
If government accommodation is being used in this manner, questions arise over who is staying in the properties, whether permission has been granted and whether the rules for allotment are being followed.
The rent charged for the old quarters is another point of concern. According to the report, the daily rent is around ₹1.25, while the monthly rent for the new, fully equipped flats is reportedly around ₹37.
These nominal charges have drawn attention because the accommodation is located in the state capital and is supported by public funds.
The comparison has also raised questions about whether such low rental rates encourage occupants to retain government accommodation even when they have been allotted alternative housing.
While the new flats were built to replace the old quarters, the continued occupation of both properties means the government has yet to fully free up the older housing stock for other potential occupants.
Questions Over Action and Accountability
The administration has reportedly issued notices asking legislators to vacate their old quarters. However, the properties have not all been handed back.
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