New Delhi: Once a Chief Minister’s residence, the infamous bungalow on 33, Shamnath Marg near Delhi’s Civil Lines is likely to be demolished soon. Located in the heart of Delhi’s Civil Lines, the colonial-era bungalow is likely to be converted into office space.
The sprawling building has been left vacant for over two decades as politicians and bureaucrats have refused to occupy it due to its reputation of being “unlucky”, “jinxed” and even “haunted” among political and administrative circles. Located in Delhi’s prime location, the bungalow has four bedrooms, a lawn, a large drawing and living area and staff quarters.
According to reports, the Delhi government is considering demolishing the abandoned property and redeveloping it into a government office building. An official said that senior politicians, ministers, or even top bureaucrats are not willing to move in due to rumours surrounding the house over the years.
The government may also construct the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) at the site as it lacks a dedicated office building, an official told the Indian Express.
History of ‘jinxed’ bungalow
The building earlier served as the official residence of several chief ministers, including Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, Delhi’s first Chief Minister in 1952, and Madan Lal Khurana in 1993. However, the house got the title of “inauspicious” or “unlucky” over the years.
At least five people, including two chief ministers, who were allotted the bungalow earlier vacated it before completing their tenures, often after facing political or career setbacks.
In 1955, Brahm Prakash resigned following controversy over an alleged “jaggery scam,” and Madan Lal was allotted the CM bungalow in 1955, but his term as CM also ended prematurely following a hawala scandal. Since then, the bungalow was considered as cursed.
The bungalow was allotted to former Delhi chief ministers Sahib Singh Verma and Sheila Dikshit, but both refused to take it up, fearing that it may bring political misfortune.
Some officials believe “jo bhi aata hai yahan, woh tikta nahi hai (whoever comes here does not last long).”