Mysore: HV Rajeev, the former President of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), is facing serious allegations of misusing his position to secure the allotment of 848 plots to the Gnanaganga Housing Co-operative Society, which he leads. The approval for the plots was reportedly granted in a single day during a MUDA meeting in 2022, when Rajeev was still affiliated with the BJP. He subsequently joined the Congress after the assembly elections.
The approval process for the 848 plots has come under scrutiny, with allegations that Rajeev used his influence to expedite the allotment. Despite a pending court case, the plots were allegedly transferred from MUDA to the Gnanaganga Housing Co-operative Society. A technical committee report has further revealed irregularities in the approval process.
The society had reportedly secured approval for a layout in an area that was under litigation, contrary to the directives of the Urban Development Authority. The then-MUDA Commissioner, D.B. Natesh, had brought this issue to the attention of the government, highlighting procedural breaches.
The political ramifications of the case have also emerged, with BJP MLA TS Srivatsa accusing Rajeev of joining the Congress to shield himself from the scandal. According to Srivatsa, Rajeev’s switch in political allegiance was a strategic move to avoid scrutiny.
In response to the allegations, Urban Development Minister Bairati Suresh has stated that the matter is currently under investigation by the PN Desai Commission. Suresh assured that action would be taken based on the commission’s report once it is finalized.
HV Rajeev has firmly denied any wrongdoing. He claims that the approval for the plots was granted in accordance with the rules and that he had recused himself from the MUDA meeting in question. Rajeev has accused the BJP of politicizing the issue to discredit him, asserting that the accusations are part of a broader political strategy rather than based on factual evidence.
The controversy surrounding Rajeev has heightened tensions between political factions, reflecting the complexities of urban development and governance issues in Mysore. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and the PN Desai Commission’s report will be closely watched for further developments.
The case underscores the challenges of ensuring transparency and accountability in public office, as well as the interplay between politics and governance in addressing allegations of misconduct.
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