Gujarat Government Proposes to Gift Controversial Land to Ex-MP Yusuf Pathan

In a surprising turn of events, the Gujarat government has proposed to ‘gift’ a contentious plot of land to former cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan, just months after he parted ways with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The plot, measuring 500 square metres, is part of a larger disputed area in Vadodara, with the remaining land set to be offered to Pathan at a discounted rate.

The proposal, put forth by the Vadodara municipal commissioner, is scheduled for consideration by the standing committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-controlled civic body. The decision is expected to be finalized on Friday, marking a significant moment in a long-standing territorial dispute.

This development comes closely on the heels of Pathan’s decision to withdraw his petition from the Gujarat High Court regarding the plot of land. The former cricketer had initially sought ownership of the 978-square-metre plot in 2012, citing security concerns due to its proximity to his family residence in Vadodara’s Tandalja locality. However, the Gujarat government denied his request in 2014, leaving Pathan unaware until an eviction notice arrived in 2024, shortly after he won his Lok Sabha seat representing Baharampur on a TMC ticket.

Pathan’s legal troubles did not end there, as the Gujarat High Court labeled him an ‘encroacher’ in its 2025 ruling, dismissing his claims to the land and effectively closing the door on his appeal. The division bench’s decision further complicated Pathan’s standing in the ongoing dispute, leading many to speculate about the motivations behind the state government’s current offer.

While the proposal to gift Pathan the disputed land has sparked conversations about political patronage and favoritism, it also raises critical questions regarding land ownership rights and the responsibilities of civic authorities in managing such disputes. As the standing committee prepares to make a decision, the implications of this offer will undoubtedly resonate within the broader context of land governance and political maneuvering in Gujarat.

Source: scroll.in