Convert APJ Abdul Kalam's residence here into a Knowledge Centre: AAP

NEW DELHI: Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party today questioned the "hurry" in alloting former President APJ Abdul Kalam's bungalow here to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and suggested it should be converted into a Knowledge Centre instead.

The party also urged the Centre to "hand over" the belongings of Kalam to Delhi government in case it lacks the required resources and space to create a memorial for the late President.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said "limiting" Kalam's work to his place of birth Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and "shifting all his documents, books and even the Veena to Rameswaram is insulting."

"His residence should not be vacated but should be converted into a Knowledge Centre in loving memory of the legend. So many govt. residences being allotted permanently in the names of various political leaders, why so hurry in vacating Kalam's house?" Mishra said through a series of tweets.

Kalam had stayed at the 10 Rajaji Marg residence here after his term as President ended in 2007.

"If Central Govt. doesn't have resources and space to build a memorial of Dr. Kalam, let them just hand over all his belongings to Delhi Govt. Delhi deserves a memorial of Dr. Kalam, he belongs to all of us. His memorial should be in Delhi as well as in Rameshwaram," Mishra, AAP's Karawal Nagar MLA, said.