NICE project: Kumaraswamy accuses Shivakumar of deal with Hyderabad businessman

Bengaluru, Oct 2 (IANS) Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of attempting to take over the NICE project in collusion with Hyderabad-based businessman Mahesh Reddy.

The NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise) project is a major infrastructure initiative conceived to develop a road corridor connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru, along with peripheral roads and associated infrastructure.

The project involved the acquisition of large tracts of agricultural and other land from several villages in Karnataka.

Kumaraswamy alleged that Mahesh Reddy, who is based in Hyderabad and is involved in real estate and other businesses, had joined hands with Shivakumar to take over the entire NICE project and exploit the land acquired for it.

He also alleged that several influential persons were involved in the alleged attempt.

Addressing reporters after meeting people who had lost land for the NICE project, Kumaraswamy alleged that land acquired for the road project was being used for real estate activities.

“Your cup of sins is full,” Kumaraswamy said, targeting Shivakumar.

“You can acquire 10,000 acres, but do it legally and earn through the right means. Who has stopped you? The Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway has already been built. Why is another road required?” he asked.

He alleged that 1.75 lakh acres had been identified between Bengaluru and Mysuru and claimed that there was an attempt to exploit the land.

Kumaraswamy further alleged that a “red carpet” was being rolled out for Telangana-based businessman Mahesh Reddy.

“How many crores is the deal for? I have all the information about who Mahesh Reddy is. The time will come when everything will be revealed,” he said.

Kumaraswamy stated that the Karnataka High Court had already made strong observations regarding the NICE project and that the NICE company had approached the Supreme Court challenging them.

He said the matter was scheduled to come up for hearing on October 5 and that the farmers’ agitation would take a new turn thereafter.

Responding to allegations that he himself owned land within the NICE project area, Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar to prove it.

“If it is proved that I have purchased even a piece of land in the NICE project area, I will publicly hang myself,” he said.

Kumaraswamy said he had already released the first set of documents alleging irregularities involving Shivakumar and the NICE contractor and claimed that several more sets of documents would be released.

He alleged that Shivakumar had acquired around 200 to 300 acres in the B.M. Kaval area and questioned how the land had been purchased and why it was acquired within the NICE project area.

Taking members of the media and the public to the area, Kumaraswamy claimed that the land was fertile agricultural land and alleged that around 300 acres belonged to the Chief Minister.

Kumaraswamy said he had purchased 44 acres in Bidadi before entering politics and claimed that he was using the land for agriculture and animal husbandry and not for real estate activities.

“If I have illegally acquired even one inch of land, I will immediately retire from politics,” he said.

He also accused Shivakumar of threatening innocent people and taking away their land.

Kumaraswamy said he would continue the agitation until land lost by farmers was returned.

Kumaraswamy demanded the immediate arrest of NICE promoter Ashok Kheny, alleging that Kheny had made derogatory remarks against Shivakumara Mahaswamiji.

He accused the Chief Minister of protecting Kheny and alleged that the two were working together in matters related to the NICE project.

Kumaraswamy further alleged that Kheny had exploited property belonging to Siddaganga Mutt and accused Shivakumar of supporting him.

“I am not fighting this for political gain. My objective is to get the land back to the farmers,” he said.

He alleged that Shivakumar and Mahesh Reddy had conspired to exploit land in the NICE project area and said he would not allow it.

Kumaraswamy also claimed that attempts had been made to persuade him to stay away from the NICE issue.

“Why do you need to get involved in the NICE issue? Stay silent and take whatever you want,” Kumaraswamy claimed he was told through intermediaries.

He said he had rejected such approaches and alleged that attempts had been made to offer him financial support, including funds for election expenses.

“I cannot be bought by anyone. I am a man of the people. I live for the people and am ready to give my life for them,” he said.

Kumaraswamy stated that he was under considerable pressure to stop the agitation ahead of the elections.

He alleged that instead of responding to the questions he had raised and the documents he had released, his opponents were attempting to divert attention by discussing other matters.

Kumaraswamy said he had travelled along the NICE Road from Madavara to Electronic City and met people affected by the project at several locations.

He said meetings were held at different places to hear the grievances of affected people, with a larger meeting organised at Sompura.

“Our struggle will not end here. A major agitation will be organised along with the people. Our protest will remain peaceful,” he said.

Kumaraswamy said another meeting of key leaders would be convened soon and that the next course of action would be decided after the Supreme Court hearing on October 5.

He appealed to people who had lost their land not to lose hope and assured them of his support.

Kumaraswamy began his tour around 10 a.m. and first inspected land near the NICE toll plaza at Madavara.

He later visited Thotadaguddahalli, Anchepalya, Tirumalapura, K.G. Srikantapura, Ganganahalli, Kachohalli, Hosahalli, Gollarahatti, Kodigehalli, Ramasandra, Kommaghatta, Kengeri, Electronic City, Konappana Agrahara, Begur, Sompura, B.M. Kaval, Talaghattapura and several other villages.

He received petitions from affected residents and assured them that efforts would be made to address their grievances.

At B.M. Kaval, Kumaraswamy also inspected what he alleged was 200 to 300 acres of land belonging to Shivakumar.

He claimed that the land was located at the unfinished end of the NICE Road.

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by Legislative Council member Javare Gowda, former MLA A. Manjunath, Greater Bengaluru JD(S) president H.M. Ramesh Gowda, senior leader Rudresh and others.

–IANS

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