Kovind to stay in HP’s Retreat Building from where staff had turned him away 2 yrs ago

Kovind, who was the-then Governor of Bihar, was holidaying in Shimla in 2017. He was a guest of Himachal Pradesh governor Acharya Dev Vrat. Kovind visited Shimla catchment area Cheogh. On his way back, he drove to the Presidential Retreat located about 14 kilometers from Shimla .

President Ram Nath Kovind will stay at Mashobra’s Retreat Building, part of the presidential estate in Himachal Pradesh, from where he was turned away by the staff two years ago. Kovind will embark three day visit to Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla on May 20.

The President of India visits The Retreat once a year, and during that period the core office also shifts. (HT File)

Kovind, who was the-then governor of Bihar, was holidaying in Shimla in 2017. He was a guest of Himachal Pradesh governor Acharya Dev Vrat. Kovind visited Shimla catchment area Cheogh. On his way back, he drove to the Retreat Building located about 14 kilometers from Shimla .

However Kovind, who was travelling in an official vehicle while other members of his family were in cabs, was turned away by the staff at the retreat as he did not have required permission from President’s office .

Without complaining, Kovind went on his way. In an interesting turn of events, Kovind shall return as President.

Constructed in the British era back in 1850, the retreat is managed by the President’s office. The building, spread over 987 square metres, was taken over by British government in 1859. The retreat in Mashobra is the second President’s Retreat after Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad.

Mashobra’s Retreat Building was made a part of the presidential estate after the Viceregal Lodge, which was turned into Rashtrapati Bhavan after Independence, was handed over to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

All India Congress Committee president Rahul Gandhi’s sister Priyanka Gandhi has a cottage that is situated just half a kilometre away.

During his stay in Shimla, Kovind will attend the ninth convocation of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and forestry in Nauni. The university was founded in 1985 with an objective promote research in forestry and horticulture . Governor Acharya Dev Vrat and chief minister Jai Ram Thakur will also be present. Thakur, who holds the Home portfolio, reviewed arrangements on Thursday.

Thakur directed officers to ensure arrangements for smooth plying of vehicles with minimum inconvenience to the general public and tourists.