Haryana Cabinet to Consider ₹16 Lakh Rent Waiver for Hooda’s Chandigarh House

A proposal to waive over ₹16 lakh in penal rent for Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s government residence in Chandigarh is likely to be discussed in the Haryana Cabinet, triggering a fresh political row.

According to sources, the penal rent accumulated during the period when Hooda continued to stay in the bungalow designated for the Leader of Opposition, despite not officially holding the post at that time.

Hooda had remained in the government accommodation after the Assembly election results were declared in October 2024, while he was formally appointed Leader of Opposition only in September 2025. During this intervening period, he was technically entitled to a different category of accommodation.

Responding to the issue, Hooda downplayed the matter, stating that he had sought an extension to stay in the house when the post of Leader of Opposition was vacant. He termed it a “small issue.”

However, the development has drawn sharp criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party. Party’s national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda alleged that the proposed waiver was a political favour.

He claimed that the ruling BJP government was “rewarding” Hooda for allegedly helping its interests during the recent Rajya Sabha elections. Dhanda also accused sections of the Congress leadership of acting under pressure and facilitating outcomes favourable to the BJP.

The controversy comes at a time when political tensions in Haryana remain high following the Rajya Sabha polls, with allegations of cross-voting and backdoor deals intensifying the war of words between parties.

While the Cabinet is yet to take a final decision, the issue has already sparked debate over political ethics and the use of government privileges.