Governor Seeks Explanation From Karnataka Govt Over Plot Allocation To Kharge Family Trust

Bengaluru: In the latest development in the land allotment controversy surrounding Kharge family-run Siddhartha Vihar Trust, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sought an explanation from the state government over the allocation. This was based on a complaint filed by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

Karnataka Governor Gehlot has asked Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to submit a “factual report”.

Almost a weak ago, alleged irregularities in the allocation of a Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) site to Siddhartha Vihar Trust surfaced which triggered a fresh row in the state. 

The controversy pertains to land allotment near Bengaluru's aerospace park to the Siddhartha Vihar trust. The trust at the centre of the controversy is owned by Mallikarjun Kharge's family, mainly his son Rahul Kharge. The 5-acre plot of 45.49 acres of land set aside for civic amenities at the aerospace park, was to be allocated under the Schedule caste, as per documents accessed by Republic Kannada. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged serious irregularities in the allotment. 

The Governor's direction follows a letter by Narayana Swamy wherein he requested for dismissal of  Priyank Kharge frorn the Karnataka cabinet.

In his letter to Gehlot, Swamy wrote," Siddhartha Vihar Trust is being reportedly allotted 5 Acres of Land under the SC Quota by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in the Hi-tech Defense Aerospace Park near Bengaluru out of the 45:94 Acres of land meant for civic amenities in March 2024."

“The question is how did the Kharges become aerospace entrepreneurs? How did the department give a nod for this allotment? Was the minister compelled to allot the land by the Hon'ble Chief Minister? I urge your good self to take cognizance of the seriousness of the matter and dismiss Shri. Priyank Kharge from the cabinet for snatching away yet another opportunity from the deserving SC Entrepreneurs,” he further wrote in the letter.