In a notable development coming shortly after his political break with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), former cricketer and Baharampur Member of Parliament Yusuf Pathan has secured major relief concerning a disputed 978-square-metre municipal plot in Vadodara, Gujarat. The BJP-led administration in the state has cleared the path for the formal allotment of the prime land parcel, which had previously been the subject of an encroachment notice served to Pathan two years earlier. Terms of the Land Allotment The municipal parcel, valued at over ₹20.53 crore based on the civic body’s approved base rate of ₹2.10 lakh per square metre, has been divided under two separate settlement terms: 500 Square Metres: Allocated as a direct residential grant. 478 Square Metres: Transferred at a concession, with Pathan required to pay 55% of the assessed municipal valuation—reflecting a 45% discount on the market assessment. Background of the Dispute The controversy dates back to June 2024, when the BJP-run Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) served an eviction and compliance notice to Pathan shortly after his victory as a TMC candidate in the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency of West Bengal. The civic body had alleged unauthorized possession and fencing of the municipal-owned plot adjacent to his residence. The matter saw rapid movement following political shifts in mid-2026. Pathan was among 20 parliamentarians who parted ways with the TMC following state political realignments, subsequently joining the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). The expedited settlement of the long-pending property case has drawn political scrutiny, with opposition observers describing the move as politically advantageous alignment. Current Status and Next Steps Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Babu confirmed that in-principle administrative clearance for the allotment has been granted by the state government. The proposal must now complete standard local government approvals: Formal submission before the VMC General Board. Review and final clearance by the civic body’s Standing Committee before documentation and registry can conclude. Post navigation Counter-Outfit ‘Lal Hit Janata Party’ Launched in Delhi to Oppose Cockroach Janta Party Demonstrations
