Surat: Lok Sabha MP Mukesh Dalal, who won the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year without opposition, has been facing challenges in relocating to the office of his predecessor, Darshana Jardosh.

On June 15, the first-time MP wrote to Surat District Collector Dr. Sourabh Pardhi to request the Athwalines office previously used by Jardosh. As no action was taken, he sent a follow-up letter on July 29, reiterating his request. In his July 29 letter, Dalal stated that, according to the guidelines, MPs are entitled to a facility center. He emphasized the need for the facility center premises, which were previously allocated to former MP Darshanaben Jardosh, in the Athwalines area for party workers and leaders to convene. He also urged for a prompt allocation of the office.

However, the Surat Collector stated that the office previously occupied by BJP MP Jardosh had structural stability concerns. A private firm commissioned by the MP to assess the structure’s stability reported that the survey found no issues.

The Surat MP told a newspaper, “We were informed that there were some structural stability problems with the office my predecessor held. Previously, there were belongings of the former MP at the premises, which were also removed by her team.”

“The office is now entirely vacant. I had the premises evaluated by one of the best stability experts in the city, who assured me that the structure is safe and poses no concerns. The building consists of one ground floor and one upper floor, with no additional levels. We plan to arrange some interior furniture. My structural engineer will prepare the report and submit it to the Surat District Collector and the Road and Building Department’s Superintendent Engineer in the next few days. I am looking into any other reasons for the delay in granting the office,” he added.