After running from pillar to post, Uthappa's family gave up the idea of possessing BDA plot that the local lad was promised after India's triumph at T20 World Cup
After running from pillar to post, Uthappa's family gave up the idea of possessing BDA plot that the local lad was promised after India's triumph at T20 World Cup
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa exhibited overwhelming generousity in announcing Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) sites for the Men in Blue for their exceptional performance at the World Cup. He, however, forgot about local lad Robin Uthappa, who was a part of T20 World Cup winning squad in 2007.
Distant dream: After the BDA informedu00a0Robin Uthappa that there were
no sites available, the urban body allotted over 200 sites at the insistence
of the Chief Minister. File pics
Forgotten heroes
The BDA had passed a resolution to allot a plot to Robinu00a0 after Team India's triumph at the T20 tournament. Besides, Pankaj Advani, world billiards champion, was also among 25 other local sport stars to figure in the list of allottees. But none have received the promised site till now. Interestingly, after the BDA informed the sports personalities that there were no sites available, the urban body allotted over 200 sites at the insistence of the CM. Majority among the beneficiaries are BJP leaders, while Yeddyurappa's relatives bagged plum sites in the city. According to sources, Girish Mattennavar, former president of state BJP Yuva Morcha, was among the beneficiaries to get sites recently.
'We gave up'
Rosy, Robin's mother said that they were tired of running from pillar to post. She said, "Each time we approached BDA, they said that the site not available." Robin's parents bought a flat in an apartment building in Sanjay Nagar and he lives with them. "Robin is in Mumbai preparing for the IPL. He doesn't want us to pursue the matter. But, I am happy that the CM has announced sites for the Indian team now, as it is a gesture of encouragement," she said.
Most eligible
Uthappa is still eligible for a BDA site, as the rule says one can apply even if their parents own a property. Besides, he has no property in his name and also fulfills other essential requirements for a site. "Sports persons are known for their dignity and many of them have given up after the BDA replied there were no sites available.
Officials are taking advantage and not moving things forward," said B M Shivakumar, an RTI activist, who unearthed the BDA site scam allegedly linking Yeddyurappa and his kin. "The CM must answer why he has forgotten Robin and other local sports persons, while making generous announcements to other cricket stars," said Shivakumar. Even after the High Court restrained Yeddyurappa from intervening in BDA affairs, he has not stopped gifting sites to BJP workers.
An official in the BDA, said, "It all depends on the Chief Minister's interest. Whoever is on his priority list gets a site and the others get the standard reply - site not available." "This is the procedure we are following," he added. Bharat Lal Meena, BDA commissioner, however declined to comment when contacted.
'I'll get back to you'
Reacting to the Robin Uthappa issue, Yeddyurappa told this reporter, "I have to look into the matter. I don't know what the BDA had replied to Uthappa, but I will check and get back to you." Yeddyurappa also added that he did not want to discriminate locals from the outsiders when it comes to encouraging sports.
Did you know?
The Indian team won the T20 World Cup in October 2007. A few days later, the state came under Governors' rule. The BDA resolved to allot sites in February 2008 under the Governor's rule and the urban body put it on a backburner after BJP formed government in May 2008 and Yeddyurappa took charge as Chief Minister.
Lucky few
Yeddyurappa's MP son B Y Raghavendra, his sister B S Premamma, his nephew S C Ashok, and his sister's daughter-in-law Deepa were among the fortunate lot to get sites. However, they surrendered the sites to the BDA following exposure of the scam and the scathing media attack.
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