BENGALURU: In wake of the controversy surrounding the allotment of a Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) site to the Siddhartha Vihar Trust, associated with the family of Congress national President Mallikaarjun Kharge, Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge announced that the land will be surrendered back to the KIADB, following a dispute that had even reached the Karnataka Governor’s office.
During a press conference in Bengaluru, Priyank Kharge addressed the media, clarifying that the family trust had decided to relinquish the land allotted by the KIADB. This move was prompted by accusations that the land was obtained through illegal means, stirring political controversy. According to Priyank Kharge, Rahul Kharge, the Trust’s president, initiated the return process on September 29, seeking to avoid further political fallout. “My elder brother is hurt by the baseless accusations against our family. Thus, he wrote to the KIADB, clarifying that we are returning the land in a legal manner,” Priyank said.
During the press conference, Priyank Kharge defended the actions of the Siddhartha Vihar Trust, stating that his father Mallikarjuna Kharge was not fully aware of the developments and that the allegations were politically motivated. He emphasised that the trust has been operational for decades, engaging in social and educational services. According to Priyank, Rahul Kharge had applied for the land for skill development purposes, not for commercial gain.
“The land was requested with proper documentation. Rahul Kharge, who has received various accolades, applied in good faith, and it was for a genuine cause. There is no illegality or misconduct here,” Priyank asserted. He further emphasized that Rahul is not involved in politics and had worked diligently to secure the land, adding, “It’s disappointing to see his name being dragged into political mudslinging.”
The issue has been a topic of heated debate, with BJP and JD(S) leaders accusing the Congress of exploiting government resources for personal gain. The BJP has specifically pointed out that the KIADB site in Arlia was wrongfully allocated to a family trust associated with Mallikarjun Kharge, asserting that this was a misuse of political power. In defense, Priyank Khargechallenged these accusations, stating, “193 institutes applied, and only 43 were selected. There was no special influence, and everything was done transparently.”
He further hit back at the BJP, accusing them of not having sufficient knowledge about the matter. “BJP leaders have been falsely accusing us, but there is no minimum understanding from their side. If they question the process, they should look at how many CA (Civic Amenities) sites they have taken for their purposes,” Priyank said.
During his media interaction, Priyank Kharge explained that the Siddhartha Vihar Trust is focused on youth skill development. The trust sought the land to open a Skill Development Center, an initiative aimed at training and empowering young people. He clarified that buying CA land does not violate any rules and said, “The land was obtained with the intent to benefit society. Is there a rule against purchasing CA land? Does it mean we have to be doctors to open a medical college?”
He added that BJP’s allegations were a distraction meant to malign the reputation of the Kharge family, particularly in light of the ongoing MUDA land dispute. “The accusations against our family are rooted in jealousy, especially regarding the purchase of CA land. We have been transparent from the beginning about opening a skill development center. There is no illegality,” he stated. Priyank also mentioned that the land purchase details were explicitly mentioned in their application, and the land was to be used for social benefits, not for profit.
The decision to return the land, as Priyank explained, was to quell the ongoing controversy and accusations. “We don’t want our family name to be dragged into baseless political mudslinging. That is why the decision to return the land was made,” he said. The move was also seen as an attempt to distance the family from allegations of favoritism and misuse of power, ensuring that the focus remains on transparency and adherence to the law.
The land controversy involving the Siddhartha Vihar Trust has become a focal point in Karnataka politics, with opposition parties leveraging the issue to criticize the ruling party. However, the Kharge family’s decision to return the land aims to put an end to the accusations and clear the air. Priyank Kharge’s statements highlighted the family’s commitment to legality and transparency, defending the trust’s intentions while condemning what he described as politically motivated attacks.
As the political climate heats up, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between governance, development, and political interests in Karnataka. The return of the land may have brought some relief, but the controversy surrounding it reflects deeper divisions and conflicts that continue to simmer beneath the surface.
