A brand new controversy has erupted in Karnataka over a land allocation, with the BJP accusing the Congress of favoritism within the allotment of a Karnataka Industrial Space Improvement Board (KIADB) web site to a belief led by the household of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The positioning was granted to the Siddhartha Vihara Schooling Belief, which is headed by Kharge’s son, Rahul Kharge, in March 2024.
Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil confirmed the allocation, noting that the land was supplied on the prescribed value, with none reductions, and that no guidelines have been violated. The 5-acre plot is a part of 45.94 acres designated for civic facilities on the aerospace park and was allotted beneath the Scheduled Caste quota.
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT/BT and Rural Improvement and Panchayat Raj Minister and one other son of Mallikarjun Kharge, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the land is meant for academic functions, particularly for establishing a multi-skill improvement middle. He emphasised that the location was not an industrial or industrial plot and that no particular concessions have been granted to the belief.
Priyank, who can also be a trustee of the Siddhartha Vihara Schooling Belief, added that the KIADB adopted normal procedures within the allocation. The belief, fashioned in July 1994, contains different trustees corresponding to Rahul Kharge and Kharge’s son-in-law, MP Radhakrishna.
The controversy was first delivered to mild by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya, who questioned whether or not the allocation concerned misuse of energy, nepotism, and battle of curiosity. Siroya criticized the Industries Minister for approving the allocation and raised issues concerning the Kharge household’s eligibility for the land.
“Is that this about misuse of energy, nepotism, and battle of curiosity? How did the Industries Minister, MB Patil consent to this allocation in March 2024? When did the Kharge household change into aerospace entrepreneurs to be eligible for KIADB land? The matter of this alleged unlawful allocation has additionally reached the Hon’ble Governor’s workplace,” questioned BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya.
Responding to it, Priyank Kharge stated, “The positioning allotted is NOT an industrial plot meant for industrial or industrial functions. It’s for academic functions. The intention of the belief is to arrange a multi talent improvement middle within the CA web site. Is it mistaken? KIADB has not supplied any subsidy to the belief for the CA web site or lowered the price of the location or supplied any leisure of fee phrases.”
Little information is harmful Sri @LaharSingh_MP avare.
Firstly, the location allotted is NOT an industrial plot meant for industrial or industrial functions. It’s for academic functions.
The intention of the belief is to arrange a multi talent improvement middle within the CA web site. Is… https://t.co/6xD8nf0mio
— Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) August 26, 2024
In response to the allegations, Minister Patil reiterated that the allocation was made in accordance with KIADB norms, with the land supposed for organising a analysis and improvement (R&D) middle. He clarified that such plots may very well be used for varied functions, together with academic and technical institutes, beneath KIADB rules.
In the meantime, BJP leaders demanded Priyank Kharge’s resignation, accusing him of abusing his place. The allegations towards the Kharge household have surfaced amid ongoing scrutiny over a separate land allocation controversy involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
