Priyadarshini Kharge returns plot of land amid controversy

Bangalore, Oct 25 (PTI) In the light of allegations that Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge's daughter was allotted a plot of land in violation of bye-laws, she has returned the land in question to Karnataka State Judicial Department Employees House Building Co-operative Society (KSJDEHBCS). Media reports had said Priyadarshini had purchased site number 1,448, measuring 3,280 sq ft on January 15, 2002, at Rs 1,96,837 at Yelahanka (Allalasandra) Judicial Layout, allegedly flouting Society bye-laws. Priyank Kharge, son of Mallikarjun Kharge, told PTI that "it is a closed chapter as my sister has returned the site yesterday which was allotted to her by KSJDEHBCS irrespective of the matter being legal or illegal". Media reports had charged Priyadarshini was allotted the plot in violation of a bye-law stating that it was mandatory for her to be an employee in any organisation for at least five years and a member of the KSJDEHBCS for a minimum period of five years in Karnataka. Refuting the allegation, Priyank Kharge said his sister had not violated any bye-law as she had been inducted as a member of the Society "a long time back". "Moreover, a person of any profession of any organisation working in Karnataka can apply for allotment of sites," he said, defending the purchase. Priyadarshini is also alleged to have violated the bye-law prescribing that the allotment of the site has to be on the basis of seniority. "There is no violation in this regard too. She was alloted the site as per law," Priyank Kharge said. PTI BDN MSR ARP