Amid controversy, Kharge family returns site given to Siddartha Vihar Trust

BENGALURU: Amid allegations of irregularities in land allocation, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has clarified that the Siddartha Vihar Trust, headed by Rahul Kharge, has returned the 5-acre CA site to KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board). The trust was at the center of a major controversy, with BJP leaders accusing the   of wrongdoing.

Priyanka Kharge said, “We were saying right from the beginning that it was not allocated in any hurry and not illegally distributed. The BJP simply accused the Congress president, but we defended the land allotment”.

The minister also criticised the BJP for politicising the issue, saying they were unaware of Rahul Kharge’s qualifications, and now they stopped raising the topic after knowing his education qualification.

Priyank Kharge said, “They tried to politicise the issue initially. Rahul Kharge had applied for the land to develop a skill centre in the aerospace sector and had received necessary clearances”. He emphasized that the allocation was made based on eligibility on May 30 and that all documents are available.

“Rahul Kharge is a kind person. He returned the 5-acre CA site to KIADB on September 20. The allocation was made as per rules and regulations. He wrote to the KIADB CEO and said that he would return the land. Allotment of 5 acres of CA land given to Siddhartha Vihar Trust is as per law. However, they are doing politics in this”. The KIADB CEO accepted the return on September 27.

He said that Rahul had informed him that he will return the land. “The trust was not formed for gains. No concessions were provided. The site was allotted for skill development and education purposes. Rahul expressed frustration with the BJP’s unnecessary politicisation, stating that the trust’s goal was not to make a profit. He cited the toxic political environment as the reason for returning the site, making it impossible for the trust to move forward”, Priyank Kharge noted.

On the issue of providing information to the governor, Priyank Kharge questioned the need when officials have the necessary details. The minister expressed frustration, stating that his family, particularly his brother, is facing backlash due to political vendetta against him and his father.

Priyank Kharge emphasized that his family has worked hard to achieve their current status, with five members being well-educated. He challenged the BJP leaders to prove that the land allocation was illegal. Heclarified that his family members will not enter politics or participate in election campaigns.