Lucknow: BSP Supremo Mayawati’s former government bungalow may soon have a new occupant. MLA Shivpal Yadav, the founder of Samajwadi Secular Morcha will reportedly be moving into the bungalow at 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg.

The bungalow was reportedly allocated to Yadav by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, drawing criticism from the opposition who have questioned how the bungalow could be allocated to a mere MLA from the Jaswantnagar seat.

According to sources close to Yadav, it is possible that he plans to use the bungalow as the office for his newly established political outfit. They have also claimed that preparations were being made to welcome the MLA into his new home.

Speaking to a national daily, Yadav said that he had applied for a “bigger space” as he is a five-time MLA and former minister. He also clarified that the bungalow was allocated to him after a report was obtained from the Intelligence Bureau and assured that all the rules and regulations have been adhered to with regard to the allotment of the bungalow.

There are, however, rumours that the bungalow was given to Yadav in a bid by the BJP to deepen the wedge between the Yadav family ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

The bungalow was previously occupied by Bahujan Samaj Party Supremo Mayawati, till she was ordered by the Supreme Court to vacate the building.