Kharge Family Accused Of Corruption: BJP Alleges Favoritism In KIADB Land Allotment Controversy

The BJP has ignited a political storm in Karnataka by accusing the Congress of nepotism and power abuse in the allocation of a Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) site to the Siddhartha Vihara Education Trust, led by Rahul Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The 5-acre land, intended for civic amenities at the aerospace park, was allotted under the Scheduled Caste quota in March 2024. Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil clarified that the land was allotted at the standard rate, with no discounts or rule violations. Despite BJP's allegations that the Kharge family misused their influence to secure prime land, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's IT/BT and Rural Development Minister, emphasized that the land is for educational purposes, specifically a multi-skill development center, not for industrial or commercial use. This controversy has heightened tensions between the BJP and Congress, sparking debates over land allocation practices and the role of political influence in Karnataka.