Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 21: A petition filed by B Ratnakar, secretary of an organization named Samaja Parivartana Samudaya, with the state Lokayukta says that former union minister and leader of Congress parliamentary party in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has amassed wealth through illegal means. The letter, which has listed out various properties which are stated to be standing in the name of Kharge, has estimated the total worth of these assets at Rs 50,000 crore. Ratnakar has alleged that Kharge, by misusing his position as state and union minister, had earned money illegally and bought various properties.

Ratnakar has alleged that Kharge had made illegal recruitment of junior and assistant engineers by misusinghis position in the guise of filling up backlog for vacancies meant to be filled by scheduled caste and tribe candidates. He says that Kharge, who had functioned as revenue minister since 1980, had amassed wealth through illegal means.

He has furnished a long list of commercial buildings, farm houses, housing property, coffee plantations etc allegedly acquired by Kharge, several of which are located in the city, while others are in different places.

Lokayukta officials said that the complaint has been referred to Raichur unit for verification, and that further action would be taken after verifying the details furnished in the complaint.