Kovind denied entry to presidential retreat in Shimla

Bihar Governor and the BJP's presidential pick Ram Nath Kovind wanted to visit the Retreat Building, part of the presidential estate, during a trip to Shimla with his family late last month but was denied entry.

A few weeks from now, the low-profile Kovind, whose family roamed around in hired taxis in Shimla, could well be the custodian of the sprawling presidential summer retreat, about 15 km from here.

Kovind, 71, who arrived



here on May 28, visited several places in and around Shimla. However, when he reached the Retreat in a high security zone in the leafy Mashobra hills, he could not enter the complex as he did not have the required prior permission. 

The Retreat 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 (IIAS).