Sachin Tendulkar to be Rahul Gandhi's neighbour in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar will now be Rahul Gandhi's neighbour in Delhi. Tendulkar, who took oath as Rajya Sabha member on Monday, has been allotted 5 Tughlak Lane bungalow, a type VII accommodation normally given to cabinet-rank ministers.

The stately house in Lutyen's zone is just opposite the house of Gandhi, who stays at 12 Tughlak Lane.

Spread over 7000 sq feet, the bungalow allotted to Tendulkar has spacious bedrooms and big lawns.

Sources said the final formalities are being conducted by the Rajya Sabha Housing Committee, which is responsible for allotments to Rajya Sabha MPs.

Since Tendulkar is entitled Z-plus security cover, his house will be guarded by a posse of security personnel. Two escort vehicles will also be provided to him when he is in the capital.

However, there is a slight hitch in occupying the house before August by the cricketer turned MP. The bungalow is yet to be vacated by the present occupant Vikram Verma, a former BJP MP. Verma's Rajya Sabha term expired in April.

"I have been given an extension of three months for staying in 5, Tughlaq Lane so I will vacate it by August," Verma told PTI.

When told that Tendulkar is moving to this house, Verma said. "I was a Sports Minister and I would be happy if Sachin is given the house."