Mayawati Vacates Delhi Bungalow Citing Security Concerns Amid Questions Over BSP’s National Party Status
Mayawati vacated her Delhi residence, citing security concerns due to a nearby school and traffic. The move follows the BSP's poor election performance, raising questions about its national party status.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has vacated her government-allotted residence at 35, Lodhi Estate, in Delhi, citing security concerns. The move comes amid speculation about the party’s status as a national political entity following its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Mayawati had moved into the Type-VII bungalow—among the largest categories of government accommodation—on February 15, 2024, after being allotted the property under a July 2014 policy by the Directorate of Estates for presidents of national parties. However, on May 20, she reportedly handed over the keys of the bungalow to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and shifted out quietly, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Located right behind the BSP’s central office at 29, Lodhi Estate, the 35, Lodhi Estate bungalow had been considered ideal for the BSP supremo, who is accorded Z-plus security. Notably, the rear gate of the BSP office opens directly towards 35, Lodhi Estate, and both properties were renovated with a similar architectural style last year, IE's report stated.
Although senior BSP leaders remained tight-lipped about the reasons for the sudden move, one functionary speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed to The Indian Express that the decision was driven by “security concerns.” He explained, “There is a school located on the same road, just 100 metres from the property. School vans often remain parked on the road opposite 35, Lodhi Estate. Parents who come to drop and pick up their wards also park vehicles on the same road. As vehicles of security personnel deployed in Behanji’s security are also parked in the same area, it causes inconvenience to both them and the schoolchildren.”
The Vidya Bhawan Mahavidyalaya school, which is situated on Max Mueller Marg, reportedly has one of its gates opening onto the same road as Mayawati’s vacated residence. The BSP leader added that the presence of Z-plus security entails area sweeps with bomb squads whenever Mayawati is at home, which he claimed disrupted school functioning, as per the report.
Delhi Police Says Unaware Of Any Specific Threat As Mayawati's Z-Plus Security Continues
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police said they were unaware of any specific threat near the residence but confirmed that the Z-plus security unit had been informed about her relocation and continues to provide her with full security coverage.
According to the Indian Express, when the newspaper visited the property on May 24, the residence appeared deserted, with dust and debris covering the premises. Rooms previously set up for her security personnel had been dismantled, and only a lone CPWD guard remained on duty.
The 35, Lodhi Estate bungalow comprises over two dozen rooms, many of which were being used by her staff and security team during her stay.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Mayawati has raised such concerns. In January 2014, under the Congress-led UPA government, a bus stop was shifted from in front of her Lutyens’ Delhi residence after she allegedly expressed fears for her safety, the report noted. She had reportedly written to the Delhi Police and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs claiming the bus stop posed a threat to her life.
Previously, Mayawati had been residing at 29, Lodhi Estate, which was allotted to her on December 7, 2021. The property has since been designated as the BSP’s official office as of February 2024, when she was assigned the neighbouring 35, Lodhi Estate, bungalow for her personal use.
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