Minister M B Patil Accuses BJP Leader of Fabricating Land Allotment Issue

Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil accused BJP's Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of falsifying allegations about a civic amenity plot allotted to Rahul Kharge's trust. Patil defended the allotment, highlighting Narayanaswamy's failure to establish an industrial unit on his own allocated land for 18 years. He also pointed out Narayanaswamy's opportunistic behavior towards AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge.

Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil on Thursday accused BJP leader Chalavadi Narayaswamy of fabricating allegations over the allotment of a civic amenity (CA) plot to Rahul Kharge's trust. Patil stated that Narayaswamy is ''not Harishchandra'' (a reference to the legendary king known for his truthfulness), unlike Rahul Kharge, who is not only an entrepreneur but also the AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge's son and Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge's brother.

Patil presented documents during a press conference, highlighting that Chalavadi had acquired a two-acre Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) plot in Mysuru 18 years ago but has failed to establish any industrial unit there, only putting up a shed. He underscored Rahul Kharge's credentials, including clearing the UPSC exam twice, and being an engineering graduate and DRDO awardee.

Patil questioned whether land should have been allotted to someone flouting norms, as allegedly done during the BJP's reign, while sidestepping eligible applicants like Rahul Kharge. Patil also revealed that Chalavadi requested an additional six months to utilize the plot, which, if unused, would be reclaimed by the government. He criticized Chalavadi for putting up a 'for hire' board and yet making baseless allegations against Mallikarjuna Kharge.

According to Patil, Chalavadi initially obtained the plot in 2006 with plans to establish 'Brindavan Software,' later changed to a garments unit, then a warehouse, none of which materialized. When the government moved to reclaim the land, Chalavadi challenged it in court and secured a stay. Patil alleged Chalavadi's actions are largely a pursuit of cheap publicity.

The Minister also noted that Chalavadi owes his current status to Mallikarjuna Kharge, who had appointed him as Railway Users Committee President when he was Railway Minister. Patil criticized Chalavadi for showing ingratitude and falsely questioning Kharge's integrity in his pursuit to rise within the BJP ranks.

(With inputs from agencies.)