Full Breakdown
Vadodara Municipal Corp Approves Land Allotment to Former Cricketer-MP Yusuf Pathan
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 23 the Standing Committee of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) unanimously approved a proposal to allot a 978-square-metre municipal plot in the Tandalja area to former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan. The plan designates 500 sq m as a “gift” for residential use and offers the remaining 478 sq m at a concessional rate. The proposal now proceeds to the VMC General Board for ratification.
Background & Context
Pathan first applied for a 99-year lease on the same plot on March 3, 2012, citing security concerns. The VMC’s initial approval was rejected by the Gujarat state government in June 2014. After legal disputes—including an encroachment notice in 2024 and a Gujarat High Court dismissal in August 2025—Pathan withdrew his appeal on August 31, 2026, two days after receiving a state-government resolution dated August 13 that cleared the allotment under a policy for international sportspersons. The resolution states the “gift” must not set a precedent.
Data & Statistics
- Plot size: 978 sq m (Town Planning Scheme 22, Final Plot 90).
- Gifted portion: 500 sq m.
- Concessional portion: 478 sq m at 55 % of the valuation fixed by the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA).
- VUDA’s assessed rate: Rs 2.10 lakh per sq m, giving the plot an estimated market value of roughly Rs 20.5 crore.
- Projected payment on the concessional portion: about Rs 5.5 crore.
Official Statements & Responses
The allotment is being considered under the Urban/Area Development Authorities (Disposal of Land and Other Properties) Regulations 2002, which permit disposal by sale, lease (up to 99 years) or grant of development rights. Officials said the “gift” is exercised through discretionary power under Regulation 13, allowing special-case allotments for institutions that serve public benefit; this is presented as the first individual exception.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress representatives staged a dharna outside the committee hall, arguing that the civic body is forgoing revenue and granting preferential treatment. Advocate Shailesh Amin, representing the citizens’ action group Vishwamitri Bachao Samiti, warned that the proposal could set an unequal precedent for other international sportspersons, noting that Vadodara has four Arjuna Awardees who have not received similar benefits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Is Yusuf Pathan the govt’s son-in-law?” — Former Vadodara councillor
- “While Pathan’s plot is for residential use, the land sought for Yadav would be used to develop a cricket practice ground. We intend to develop the facility at our own expense and pay rent to the municipal corporation. We are not seeking any handouts,” — Bandish Shah, former councillor
- “However, any proposal from her (Yadav) will be duly considered,” — Varsha Vyas, standing committee chairman
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact concession rate for the 478 sq m portion. The Indian Express and Hindustan Times cite a 55 % concession of the assessed value, while the Telegraph India mentions a “45 % concession” with the remaining amount valued at 55 % of the VUDA rate. No source clarifies which calculation will be used for the final payment. Additionally, the legal basis for treating the allotment as a “gift” remains ambiguous: Regulation 3(1) of the 2002 Rules lists sale, lease or development-right grant, but does not expressly permit free transfer, prompting reliance on discretionary powers.