Local councillors of Sama and the former standing committee chairman Vishnu Patel, under whose tenure the plot was cleared for the auction, are now opposing the decision.

BJP city president N V Patel said, “I fail to understand why the plot come into the auction list, even after the general board had passed a resolution not to auction this particular plot.”

Sources said that Patel blamed officials for the confusion and claimed that it could be a deliberate attempt by the administration to push this plot for auction.

The BJP city president said, “I did not attend any coordination committee meet. I should not be involved in the administrative issues of the VMC. If they wanted to undo the particular resolution, then they could have informed the authorities.” Former BJP councillor Pradip Joshi, said, “It is a case of cheating. Though I am from the BJP, I must say that if you have promised something to the public, you cannot turn your back on it. It’s gross injustice to Vishnu Patel, as the sale has been cleared without his knowledge.” Vishnu has refused to comment on the issue.