Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, which emerged on the world map following the Vibrant Gujarat Summits, seems to be turning into a white elephant. The Gujarat government has admitted that ₹2.32 crore in rent is outstanding for the grand complex. 

The issue of Mahatma Mandir was raised in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Monday. The opposition alleged that typically, when renting a party plot, an advance payment is required. 

However, even though lakhs of rupees in rent are due for Mahatma Mandir, the government is deliberately being lenient in recovering the dues. Concerns have been raised that the maintenance costs of Mahatma Mandir are so high that it could be shut down at any moment.

More than ₹1 crore rent recovered  

As per the opposition, Mahatma Mandir is being used only to glorify the government. Despite showing readiness to pay in advance for the Congress’s national convention, the venue was not rented out to them. 

On the other hand, in the last three years, the outstanding rent for Mahatma Mandir stood at ₹3,33,72,076. The government claimed that ₹1.01 crore in rent was recovered within a year. However, ₹2,32,72,076 is still pending collection.