‘Kharge must resign!’: BJP ups ante on Congress chief, son Priyank and CM Siddaramaiah over Bengaluru land ‘scam’

The BJP accused Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and his family of corruption over land allotment and demanded a CBI probe. The Congress defended the legality of the land allocation.

Livemint, Written By Sayantani
Published27 Aug 2024, 05:55 PM IST
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.(AP)

Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and his son and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge have found themselves under fire, as the BJP alleged a ‘scam’ in the land allotted to a trust run by the Kharge family in Karnataka. The BJP demanded a CBI probe into the matter and the dismissal of Priyank Kharge as Karnataka cabinet minister.

Also Read | Kharge family trust gets plot near Bengaluru; A new land scam? asks BJP

KIADB land-allotment allegations

BJP leader Lahar Singh Siroya, also a Rajya Sabha member, had on Sunday questioned the alleged allocation of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) land to a trust run by Mallikarjun Kharge's family and asked when did they become aerospace entrepreneurs to be eligible for the land.

He also wanted to know whether the case involved misuse of power, nepotism, and conflict of interest.

Alleging "nepotism", Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council Chalavadi T Narayanaswamy claimed that it is a case of criminal breach of trust from the Kharges towards fellow Schedule Caste entrepreneurs.

Also Read | Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge takes jibe at Modi govt over UPS scheme

KIADB land-allotment: What BJP alleged?

At a press conference held at the BJP headquarters, national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called for the resignation of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and his son Priyank Kharge, who serves as a minister in the Karnataka government. Bhatia also demanded the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Bhatia accused the Congress of pervasive corruption, stating, “There is a consistency in the Congress’ acts of corruption. Their new slogan seems to be 'wherever we go, we will do corruption.' It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Congress has become synonymous with corruption.”

He highlighted the recent controversy involving the allocation of five acres of land to the trust managed by Mallikarjun Kharge and his family. “This land allocation occurred under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s watch, and it was granted by bypassing established rules,” Bhatia alleged. “The trust includes Mallikarjun Kharge, his wife, his son-in-law Radhakrishna, and his sons Priyank and Rahul Kharge.”

Also Read | ’Aag lagane ki baatein’: Kharge objects to PM’s tweet on Anurag Thakur’s remark

Bhatia further claimed that other companies and organisations had applied for the land, but it was awarded to the Kharge family trust in violation of procedural norms. He concluded by urging Kharge and Priyank Kharge to resign from their respective positions immediately.

KIADB land-allotment: What Congress replied?

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the land allotment and said it has been done in accordance with law.

Priyank Kharge, the Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in the Congress government, asserted that there was no illegality, and accused the BJP of trying to indulge in politics by complaining to the Governor.

“The BJP can say what they want. But they have to tell the people how is it illegal and what is illegal. It is a CA (Civic Amenity) site. It is not an industrial plot. It's an educational thing. The trust has been there for more than 2 decades and has been running educational institutions,” Priyank Kharge said.

“(BJP MP) Lahar Singh has fallen out of political favour. He wants to get back by maligning Mallikarjun Kharge and his family. By this, he will be back in the limelight...If they (BJP) are not able to figure out how it is illegal, then what should I answer?” Kharge added.

 

Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess
First Published:27 Aug 2024, 05:55 PM IST
Business NewsNewsIndia‘Kharge must resign!’: BJP ups ante on Congress chief, son Priyank and CM Siddaramaiah over Bengaluru land ‘scam’

Get Instant Loan up to ₹10 Lakh!

  • Employment Type

    Most Active Stocks

    Axis Bank share price

    1,181.30
    03:29 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    5.85 (0.5%)

    Tata Steel share price

    166.75
    03:56 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    -0.2 (-0.12%)

    Oil & Natural Gas Corporation share price

    295.20
    03:58 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    3.1 (1.06%)

    Tata Motors share price

    930.70
    03:56 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    4.7 (0.51%)
    More Active Stocks

    Market Snapshot

    • Top Gainers
    • Top Losers
    • 52 Week High

    Mahindra & Mahindra Financial share price

    301.65
    03:29 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    -20.5 (-6.36%)

    Kfin Technologies share price

    1,015.00
    03:29 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    -63.85 (-5.92%)

    Godrej Properties share price

    2,897.70
    03:57 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    -170.55 (-5.56%)

    Adani Energy Solutions share price

    963.45
    03:58 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    -52.75 (-5.19%)
    More from Top Losers

    VIP Industries share price

    563.85
    03:57 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    40.8 (7.8%)

    Oil India share price

    572.25
    03:59 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    33.4 (6.2%)

    JK Paper share price

    489.95
    03:43 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    27.1 (5.86%)

    Home First Finance Company India share price

    1,245.35
    03:40 PM | 4 OCT 2024
    63.15 (5.34%)
    More from Top Gainers

    Recommended For You

      More Recommendations

      Gold Prices

      • 24K
      • 22K
      Bangalore
      77,685.00-10.00
      Chennai
      77,691.00-10.00
      Delhi
      77,843.00-10.00
      Kolkata
      77,695.00-10.00

      Fuel Price

      • Petrol
      • Diesel
      Bangalore
      102.86/L0.00
      Chennai
      100.75/L-0.10
      Kolkata
      104.95/L0.00
      New Delhi
      94.72/L0.00

      Popular in News

        HomeMarketsPremiumInstant LoanMint Shorts