The Siddharth Vihar Trust, led by Rahul Kharge, the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, has opted to return 5 acres of civic amenity land in Bengaluru’s Aerospace Park. This decision comes amid controversy surrounding the land’s allocation to the trust.
Recently, the trust submitted a request to the government to relinquish the CA land. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) had conducted a selection process for the land, drawing applications from 193 organizations, with 43 ultimately chosen, including Siddharth Vihar Trust. However, the process faced backlash, prompting the current action.
Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge addressed the media in Bengaluru, explaining that the trust would return the land due to the surrounding controversy. He noted that concerns had emerged regarding the legitimacy of the allocation process, and mentioned that Rahul Kharge may not have been aware of the land allocation. He remarked, “Only three members of our family are politically active. My elder brother is a mild-mannered person who has been upset by the criticisms directed at us. On September 29, he communicated with KIADB to return the land, stating that it would be formally returned.”
Priyank emphasized that Rahul Kharge had properly adhered to the application process, with the allocation made based on legitimate documentation. He defended the allocation as lawful and methodical, asserting, “Rahul, who is not widely recognized, succeeded in the UPSC exams and diligently pursued his education. This is just a political smear, with no impropriety present.”
Additionally, Priyank criticized the BJP for its ongoing personal attacks on their family, asserting that “BJP leaders do not involve their children with the RSS” and accusing them of consistently making disparaging remarks aimed at damaging their family’s reputation.
