TNN

Bangalore, Apr 27: It took just 10 months for 58 BJP legislators to get BDA sites under ‘G’ category. But prominent sports personalities aren’t so lucky —  they’ve been running from pillar to post since the BDA issued allotment orders in 2008.

Sports stars including cricketer Robin Utthappa, world billiards champion Pankaj Advani, Ekalavya and Arjuna award winners — all numbering 38 — and five folk artistes are still awaiting allotment of sites.

In 2007, the government considered applications from 38 sports personalities and nine persons from other fields, for BDA sites.

Barring Utthappa and Advani, the other sportspersons are Ekalavya award winners and Arjuna award winners. Some of them have received these awards in the late 90’s. On Feb 14, 2008, the BDA board meeting approved allotment of sites to 47 members and issued an order. But little has moved.

“In the beginning, all the applicants were coming to BDA. I was told that even Utthappa had come to BDA twice... But nothing has happened so far. After the new government took charge, BDA officials are reluctant even to meet the allottees,” said an allottee.

Some of the allotees who approached the BDA were asked to look for vacant sites and get the numbers.

“I know of two or three people who managed to do so. But officials say vacant sites aren’t available,” he said. BDA commissioner H Siddaiah said he had received the order with regard to site allotment for legislators only.

“There is a BDA order for sportspersons but no sites have been allotted. The issue may come up before the board meeting.”