After Article 370, ex-CM homes might be next target
The recent scrapping of Article 370 was a big move the government. Now the officials of the ex-state who were once protected the article could come under the scope. All former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers received official residences. These homes were given to them on a permanent basis. Many ex-CMs are currently taking advantage of this facility. They were protected the fact that the Supreme Court could not interfere in the state’s matters. Otherwise, the SC has already given the verdict that occupying a constitutional post does not guarantee use of an official residence for life. The ex-CM homes would have been confiscated long ago if not for that singular act.
Apart from Farooq Abdullah, all former CMs, including Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad have taken over their ex-CM homes and retained them. Their bungalows in Srinagar are being used them without any rent or ownership. Nearly all of them spent a lot of money on modernizing or renovating the official bungalows to suit their tastes. Omar and Mehbooba allegedly spent Rs 50 crore in total on their respective bungalows while they were working for the government. Even the roads and buildings department allegedly spent a large sum of money in renovating the private house of Mehboob’s father. He was the former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Omar’s father, on the other hand. lives in his own house. But he claims rent against the bungalow that he is entitled to as a former CM. They also receive attendant privileges. A full contingent of staff is provided to them. Their salaries are given the state.
The luxurious ex-CM homes might soon be taken away from them. And Article 370 scrapping has played a huge role in it. Do you think this will be the correct decision?
