Freebie Culture at Taxpayers' Expense: 40 Gujarat MLAs, Including 4 Ministers, Refuse to Vacate Old Quarters Despite Getting ₹2-Crore Luxury Flats

Gandhinagar: Despite being handed brand-new, ultra-luxurious 3BHK flats worth over ₹2 crore each in Gandhinagar, as many as 40 Gujarat Legislative Assembly members—including four sitting cabinet ministers—are refusing to hand back their keys to their old government quarters. The reluctance of these elected representatives to relinquish their old accommodations has triggered sharp criticism over the waste of public funds and the misuse of state resources.

The state government constructed the state-of-the-art multi-storey residential complex in Gandhinagar to provide modern housing to all 182 members of the Legislative Assembly. Equipped with premium amenities, including recent high-end upgrades funded by the state exchequer, the ₹247-crore housing project was meant to replace the aging MLA hostel quarters. However, nearly two dozen legislators continue to hold dual possession of both properties.

Ministers and Legislators Retain Dual Accommodation

Among those hanging onto their older quarters are four sitting state ministers who already enjoy official government bungalows alongside their newly allotted luxury flats. Officials reveal that the older quarters are frequently retained under the pretext of accommodating visiting constituency workers, supporters, and personal staff.

Key details of the housing controversy:

• Dual Possession: 40 MLAs, including 4 state ministers, have not surrendered their old quarters despite receiving possession of new 3BHK luxury apartments.
• Public Exchequer Burden: Millions of rupees continue to be spent on the maintenance, electricity, and security of these old quarters alongside the new multi-crore complex.
• Waitlist Crises: Lower-level government staff and security personnel face severe housing shortages across Gandhinagar while senior politicians hold onto multiple residences.

Administrative Inertia and Lack of No-Due Compliance

Estate department officials have issued multiple reminders urging legislators to hand over their old keys, but the political reluctance persists. Under state norms, MLAs are required to submit a clear "No Due Certificate" surrendering all previously held official premises before the end of their term, yet administrative action against sitting ministers and ruling party members remains stalled.

Civic activists and opposition voices have slammed the practice, pointing out the irony of leaders enjoying subsidised state perks and luxury housing while basic housing needs for civic workers remain ignored across the state.