Ahmedabad BJP councillor stalls society redevelopment to save brother’s illegal shops

A major housing redevelopment project in the city has hit a roadblock after BJP’s Sarkhej ward councillor, Surendra Khachar, allegedly obstructed the process to safeguard illegal shops operated by his brother.

Despite receiving consent from 88 out of 105 members, the redevelopment of Nirali Flats—located opposite the Vastrapur Railway Station—in the Anandnagar area has been stalled. Residents have accused Khachar of using intimidation tactics and vandalism to halt the project, citing his brother Pradeep Khachar’s unauthorised commercial setups within the premises.

According to members of the society’s redevelopment committee, Khachar and his associates tore down the project’s notice board put up by the builder, Vande Mataram Aryan Group. 

Committee members Pranjal Desai, Manish Sevak, and Kaushikbhai Trivedi have also alleged they received threats from the councillor, who reportedly warned of physical harm if they proceeded with the redevelopment. In response, residents filed a police complaint at Anandnagar police station. A case has been registered against Khachar based on the statements and evidence submitted by the complainants.

The at least 40–year-old housing society has been under consideration for redevelopment since 2023 due to its deteriorating structure. After evaluating multiple proposals, the committee had finalised a deal with Vande Mataram Aryan Group following a year-long process.

Khachar’s brother, who resides in flat C-1, had reportedly built three illegal shops in the building. Residents claim this is the root cause of the councillor’s opposition to the redevelopment.