The VIP residence located at 33 Shamnath Marg in New Delhi's Civil Lines area is once again in the spotlight. Known for decades as the "Jinxed Bungalow," this property is surrounded by urban myths and significant political setbacks. After remaining vacant for a long time, there is now a possibility of a new resident moving in after nearly 20 years.
The Myth Of 'Incomplete Tenure'
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(Chaudhary Brahm Prakash)
The mysterious reputation of this bungalow dates back to 1952, when Delhi's first Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, made it his residence. His tenure ended prematurely before he could complete his term.
(Madan Lal Khurana)
In 1993, Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana moved in, but he too was unable to finish his full term. In 1996, Sahib Singh Verma became Chief Minister; while he avoided living there personally, he used it as his camp office. He also lost his position before the term ended and was replaced by Sushma Swaraj. These three consecutive incidents cemented the bungalow's association with "political misfortune."
Tragedy In 2003 Deepens The Fear
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(Deepchand Bandhu)
The fear reached its peak in 2003 when Deepchand Bandhu, a minister in the Delhi government, ignored the advice of colleagues and moved into the bungalow. Shortly after, his health deteriorated rapidly due to meningitis, and he passed away while undergoing treatment. This tragic event solidified the belief that 33 Shamnath Marg was cursed, leading to the property remaining abandoned for years.
Avoided By Leaders And Bureaucrats
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(Sheila Dikshit)
It is reported that former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit refused to reside in this bungalow. For nearly a decade, no senior politician or official was willing to take up residence here. In 2013, senior bureaucrat Shakti Sinha decided to move in, but he stayed for only four months before leaving the Delhi government.
Attempts To Rebrand The 'Jinxed' Image
During the Aam Aadmi Party's tenure, the bungalow was converted into the office of the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission (DDDC). Although changes were made during the tenure of Vice Chairman Ashish Khetan, he also resigned before completing his term. His successor, Jasmine Shah, faced a controversial tenure that ended with the office being sealed by the Lieutenant Governor’s order.
Grandeur Overshadowed By Fear
Spread over approximately 5,500 square meters, this two-story bungalow is luxury personified. It features four bedrooms, drawing and dining halls, a conference room, a massive lawn, fountains, staff quarters, and high-level security. Despite being considered the most suitable site for a Chief Minister's residence after Independence, its "unlucky" reputation has kept it neglected.
A New Chapter After 20 Years?
After two decades, there is fresh movement regarding the property. Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh recently visited the bungalow. Although he has not formally accepted it yet and is still considering his housing options, his move would mark a new chapter in the history of the "jinxed bungalow."
Myth Vs. Reality
Caught between government files, political history, and whispered legends, 33 Shamnath Marg serves as a reminder that in the corridors of power, some addresses are built of more than just bricks and mortar—they carry the weight of events, coincidences and unfinished stories.