MYSURU: Former President of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) HV Rajeev is at the center of a controversy involving allegations of misuse of influence to secure the allotment of 848 plots in a single day to the Jnanaganga Housing Co-operative Society, of which he is the president. This alleged allotment occurred during a MUDA meeting in 2022 when Rajeev was a member of the BJP. His subsequent switch to the Congress after the 2023 assembly elections has further fueled suspicions about his motives.
According to a report by a technical committee, the transfer of 848 plots from MUDA to the Jnanaganga Housing Co-operative Society was carried out despite the case being sub-judice, thus violating existing regulations. The report notes that the society was approved to build housing across 252 acres and 10 guntas in Kergalli, Nagarthalli, and Ballahalli villages. However, several survey numbers in this region are involved in court disputes, rendering the transfer of land rights illegal. Allegedly, the plots were allotted in a single day without the necessary approvals, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local body.
It is claimed that the allotment occurred without the knowledge or consent of then MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh, who reportedly raised the issue in writing with the government. Despite this, no substantial action has been taken even two years later. BJP MLA T.S. Srivatsa has accused Rajeev of joining the Congress to evade potential legal consequences, alleging that Rajeev sought protection from the new government after switching parties.
Srivatsa criticized the allotment process as a breach of standard protocols, highlighting that the release of plots without completing necessary development work and obtaining required NOCs demonstrates a disregard for legal procedures. Despite the former commissioner’s objections, no corrective measures have been implemented.
Urban Development Minister Bairati Suresh has stated that the PN Desai Commission is currently investigating the matter. The minister assured that action would be taken against those found guilty but denied any wrongdoing in the approval process for the Jnanaganga Housing Co-operative Society, asserting that the allotment adhered to established rules.
In his defense, HV Rajeev claimed that society members had long awaited the land after paying in advance. Rajeev refuted presiding over the MUDA meeting where the decision was made, clarifying that the meeting was chaired by former MLA SA Ramdas and that he had intentionally distanced himself due to his role as the society’s president. He dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and asserted that the BJP is creating controversy without basis.
Rajeev vowed to provide a written response to his critics soon, asserting that the co-operative society had followed all legal procedures and strongly refuting any claims of illegal activity. As the investigation by the PN Desai Commission progresses, the dispute over the plot allotments remains a significant point of contention in Mysuru’s political arena, with both Congress and BJP trading allegations about the legitimacy of the process.
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