Vadodara: The resignation of two senior BJP functionaries from Ward 8 has sparked a controversy in the city. Though both cited “personal reasons” for stepping down, their exit comes amid irregularities reported at a real estate project in Karodiya.The irregularities surfaced after it was revealed that the scheme was allegedly developed without converting agricultural land to non-agricultural use. It also emerged that the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) had assessed some vacant plots in the scheme for property tax.Sources said VMC assessed 24 units in the project. While 18 units were constructed, six plots were reportedly vacant. Keyur Rokadiya, MLA from Sayajigunj, raised the issue at a coordination meeting, pointing out that the large plot comprised around 160 units. He argued that if no irregularities had occurred, VMC could have availed a 40% land deduction benefit. The civic body is currently probing the assessment of vacant plots.Amid the row, Ward 8 BJP president Vipul Barot and general secretary Vijay Chawda tendered their resignations. Ward 8 includes Karodiya, where the project is located. Sources said their names had surfaced in connection with the controversy.City BJP president Jayprakash Soni said the duo resigned for personal reasons and maintained that their decision was not linked to the Karodiya land issue. “VMC is conducting an inquiry,” he said.
