The Congress has received an eviction notice from the Directorate of Estates asking it to vacate a bungalow in Chanakyapuri’s Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone. Official documents indicate that the property in the national capital had been given to the Congress party. It had been occupied by party president Sonia Gandhi’s top aide Vincent George for quite some time.

The residence also has unpaid dues totaling up to a whopping 3.08 crore. Reportedly, the rent for Bungalow No. C-ll/109 was last paid in August 2013. In February this year, the Central government had sent a notice to the Congress calling for it to pay the pending rent and dues for three properties including the Congress’ office, Sonia Gandhi’s official residence and this residence.

As per a Times of India report quoting sources, while George no longer stays there, the flat remains in the party’s possession with another party member being allowed to stay. In its eviction notice, the DoE said that the apartment was under “unauthorised occupation” with the allotment being cancelled in 2013. According to the notice, the Congress has now been asked to respond to within three working days. It has been asked for a personal appearance to explain why an order of eviction should not be issued.

“You may appear before me in person or through a duly authorized representative capable to answer all material questions connected with the matter along with the evidence which you intend to produce in support of the cause. In case, you fail to show cause and/ or appear within the stipulated time, the case will be decided ex parte,” news agency ANI quoted the notice as adding.

Following the eviction of Priyanka Gandhi from her Lodhi Estate government bungalow in 2020, the Directorate of Estates had brought back an older proposal to evict the party from four important properties. Alongside Bungalow CII/109, this also includes the party headquarters on 24 Akbar Road, the Congress’ Seva Dal office at 26 Akbar Road and the Indian Youth Congress office at 5 Raisina Road.