The Karnataka BJP has raised objections to the allotment of land in the Hightech Defence Aerospace Park near Bengaluru, made in favor of family members of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
“When did the Kharge family become aerospace entrepreneurs to be eligible for Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) land? How did the Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil consent to this allocation in March 2024? Is this about misuse of power, nepotism, and conflict of interest?” BJP Rajya Sabha member Lahar Singh Siroya said.
Siroya disclosed that the Siddhartha Vihara Trust, controlled by family members of Kharge, has been alloted five acres from the total 45.94 acres of KIADB land kept aside for civic amenities within the aerospace park under the SC quota.
He said that the list of trustees of this trust includes Mallikarjun Kharge, his wife Radhabai Kharge, his son-in-law and MP of Gulbarga, Radhakrishna, his son Priyank Kharge, happening minister in the Karnataka government, another son Rahul Kharge, and so on. "Is it a case of misuse of power, nepotism, or conflict of interest?" he asked.
Siroya also said that the BJP has brought this alleged irregular land allocation to the notice of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot through an RTI activist.
He asked whether the Kharge family would give up the land, like how Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was forced to give up the controversial MUDA sites in Mysuru, and whether investigation into this allocation would be ordered.
