Kumaraswamy Alleges Irregularities in Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor Project
Kumaraswamy, who holds steel and heavy industries portfolio, also alleged deviations in the BMICP approved by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, when he was the state Urban Development Minister on February 12, 2004
BENGALURU: Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel and State president of Janata Dal Secular (JDS), Karnataka unit H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday threw a challenge at Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for an “open debate” on alleged irregularities in Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project.
At a press conference in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy released certain documents stating them to be the first part of his campaign against the project and questioned Chief Minister Shivakumar “If the earlier Framework Agreement was approved by the Cabinet, how can you alter it without going back to the Cabinet?” That is the question I am asking (Shivakumar).”
He recalled a decision to prevent Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) project belonging to Ashok Kheny, a former MLA, executing BMIC project from selling or alienating land forming part of the interchanges and road components of the project and stated “The decision I (as a Chief Minister) took was very clear, follow the Framework Agreement. Do not take even an inch of land beyond what was approved.”
The focal point raised by Kumaraswamy was the difference between the land requirements in original Framework Agreement and those reflected in the revised ODP and stated the overall project area was shown as 20, 193 acres but the Union Minister alleged the distribution of land was altered later for townships and toll roads.
Continuing, Kumaraswamy said the land earmarked for the toll road increased from 6,999 acres under the original framework to 9, 468.86 acres in the revised plan and the Union Minister pointed to changes in the acreage allotted to individual townships claiming that land allotment was increased in some locations and reduced in others.
He questioned “Why was this decision taken?” and asked the State Government “Was the matter placed before the Cabinet?” The Cabinet approved the original Framework Agreement and questioned “Who gave you (Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar) to make changes beyond the Cabinet's decision?”
Kumaraswamy asked Shivakumar over the State Government’s plans to continue the BMIC project and questioned the need for further expansion of the project when a National Highway between Bengaluru-Mysuru was already operational via Mandya and Bengaluru South districts.
Kumaraswamy suspected the continuation of the BMIC project by the State Government was primarily aimed at acquiring more land and accused the State Government of joining hands with private interests and placing an additional financial burden on Karnataka.
