New Delhi, Jun 9: The master-blaster surprised all with his decision of not staying in the government bungalow allotted to him in the national capital. Sachin Tendulkar, who recently took oath as a Member of Parliament (MP), on Saturday, Jun 9 announced that he will not stay in the government bungalow in New Delhi.

Sachin claimed that he would prefer to stay in a hotel in Delhi but not in the bungalow. According to the cricketer, staying in a government bungalow means a waste of taxpayers money.

Sachin during an interview with a TV news channel said, "A government bungalow for a few days in Delhi is not necessary. I have not become a Rajya Sabha MP for any perks of office."

The news made it clear that Sachin does not want to stay in the bungalow at 5 Tughlaq Lane opposite to AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi who stays in 12 Tughlaq Lane.

The bungalow, which was allotted to Sachin, spreads over 7,000 square feet, has big lawns and five big bedrooms.

According to sources, the Home Ministry ordered that the cricketer be provided with Z plus security while he is in New Delhi. Reports reveal that the Sachin's residence will be guarded by 50 security men and 2 escort vehicles.

However, the house is still occupied by Vikram Verma, a BJP MP in Rajya Sabha, whose term got over in Apr 2012. After he vacates the house, the government plans to give it a facelift and make it ready for the Rajya Sabha MP in time before the monsoon session begins in Jul or Aug 2012.

An MP at first is allotted a Type 5 or Type 6 bungalow, which has 4 bedrooms, but Sachin was given special consideration in this case, said sources earlier.

"His security is a big issue. So he is being allotted a big Type 7 bungalow," said one of the sources.

"It is possible that some of the Maharashtra policemen will be permanently attached with him during his stay in Delhi," the sources added.

OneIndia News