Congress Defends Kharge Family Over Land Allotment Allegations

The Congress has defended its President, Mallikarjun Kharge, and his family after BJP alleged improper land allotment to the Kharge family trust. Priyank Kharge, son of the Congress President, has challenged the BJP to prove the illegality of the land deal, amid ongoing controversy involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Congress party has mounted a staunch defense of its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, and his family, following allegations of improper land allotment by the BJP's state unit. Congress President Kharge's son, Priyank Kharge, who serves as Karnataka's Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development, demanded an explanation from the BJP on the alleged illegality of the land deal.

'The BJP can make accusations, but they must clarify what aspect of the allotment is illegal,' stated Priyank Kharge. He added that the land in question is designated as a civic amenity (CA) site, not an industrial plot, and has been home to educational institutions run by the trust for over two decades. Criticizing BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya, who first raised the issue, he suggested that Siroya was trying to regain political favor by maligning the Kharge family. 'If they can't explain how it is illegal, what should I answer?' Kharge queried, asserting that BJP's issues stem from a double standard in judging legality.

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra intensified the attack, questioning why the land—a valuable five-acre plot near Bengaluru International Airport—was allotted exclusively to the Kharge family trust. 'This plot is worth crores. Why was it allotted to the Kharge family trust alone?' Vijayendra asked, suggesting that proper allotment procedures were not followed.

These allegations emerge amid a broader controversy over a land allotment scandal involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sanctioned legal proceedings against the Chief Minister concerning disputed land allocation under a Mysore Urban Development Authority scheme to his wife. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)