Pune's first-time MP is 'homeless' in New Delhi

BJP Lok Sabha MP from Pune constituency, Anil Shirole, has been shifted to a plush hotel in the Capital

Anil Shirole, city’s newly elected Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, has been homeless in the Capital for the last one month. Shirole is among the 315 new MPs who are still waiting for their houses to be allotted in New Delhi.

Waiting for a place to call home: Newly elected MP Anil Shirole initially stayed in Maharashtra Sadan, the state guesthouse in New Delhi, for eight days. File Pic

As after every election, former MPs and ministers are not in the mood to vacate their houses, even after being served notices.

Shirole is now staying at a plush hotel in Delhi provided by the government as transit accommodation to the MPs. He said that, given this situation, he would not be able to get his own house in the Capital for at least six months.

“Initially for eight days, I stayed in Maharashtra Sadan, the state guesthouse in New Delhi. Later, I was shifted to Ashoka Hotel temporarily,” said Shirole to mid-day. The hotel where the MPs are being accommodated charges around R6,000 for a standard room per day.

“I heard that notices have already been issued to former MPs and ministers and they are supposed to vacate the houses this month. But I would be able to get my accommodation only after the constitution of the Lok Sabha housing committee,” said Shirole.

He added that the process, right from the constitution of the committee to allotting of houses, would take time, and his accommodation would be processed only after six months. As per government regulations, MPs are entitled to type IV and V houses.

A type IV house has four bedrooms and a study, while the higher-category houses are allotted to second-time MPs and ministers. Cabinet members are entitled to type VIII bungalows, with large lawns surrounding the house.

“As I am a first-time MP, I may be entitled to get a flat. But that would be decided only after the panel is formed,” said Shirole, who would be leaving for Delhi on June 24.

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