Hooda Faces Penal Rent for Retaining LoP Bungalow Amid Delay In Appointment of CLP Leader

With former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda failed to vacate the government bungalow meant for the Leader of Opposition, the Haryana government has begun levying penal market rent of the Bungalow located at a prime location in sector 7 of Chandigarh. The orders were issued as Hooda, who served as leader of opposition from 2019 to 2024, failed to retain the position as the Congress party did not declare its leader of legislative party even though the party won 37 seats in assembly elections results announced on October 8.   But he retained the bungalow after the elections, citing uncertainty over the party’s leadership decision. After a wait of more than two months the orders for the penal market rent were issued.  The penal rent is a consequence of Hooda’s continued occupation of the official residence.
But the Congress leadership’s delay in naming the CLP leader has led to speculation, with some reports indicating the high command is hesitant to reappoint Hooda to the role.  Congress sources confirmed that a penalty exceeding ₹2 lakh has been imposed for non-vacation of the bungalow. While no official notice of the penal rent has been received by Hooda’s camp, the market rate for such penalties is well-known. Officials noted that the rent is levied if a government residence is not vacated within 15 days after eligibility ends. Even in some cases, the penalty can be waived at the discretion of authorities, though no such decision has been made in Hooda’s case.
The leadership vacuum has further exposed divisions within the Haryana Congress. Hooda reportedly enjoys the support of 30 out of 37 Congress MLAs, but opposition within the party remains strong. Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja is among those challenging Hooda’s candidacy, arguing for new leadership after the party’s disappointing election performance under his stewardship.  Selja has suggested alternative candidates as some names were discussed by the party leaders including Chander Mohan, Ashok Arora and BB Batra.
However, the party leaders said that the delay in resolving the CLP leadership issue is attributed to the Congress high command’s focus on the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Hooda’s situation contrasts with several BJP and JJP leaders-including former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, who have vacated their official accommodations after losing the polls.