Mysuru, August 24: Central Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has criticized the Congress government in Karnataka, claiming that they are not inciting JD(S) workers against the NICE project, but rather encouraging the entire state to raise their voices against this alleged major scam.
Speaking to reporters after a prayer at the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Kumaraswamy alleged that the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (NICE) project is one of the biggest scams in Karnataka’s history, urging the state government to take over the entire project.
He accused the NICE company of allegedly collecting tolls in violation of regulations and arbitrarily increasing toll rates. However, officials from the Congress government and NICE have denied these allegations.
Kumaraswamy stated that advertisements published in newspapers on Sunday were based on comments from the Karnataka High Court‘s division bench, not fabricated claims.
He alleged that both current and former governments, along with officials, colluded with the company to seize farmers’ land. He claimed that even after 20 years, farmers have not received full compensation, and the acquired land has been repurposed for real estate projects.
The central minister also questioned the Public Works Department minister’s statement that the agreement with NICE still has 20 years remaining. He asked which agreement the government was referring to and if they intended to grant the company a free pass for alleged exploitation for the next two decades.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the government is protecting the interests of a private company rather than the public. He also claimed that the Chief Minister and some ministers have business ties with the company.
Responding to statements allegedly made by NICE project promoter Ashok Kheni, Kumaraswamy clarified that his focus is not on Kheni but on the state government. He emphasized that the court’s order is against the government, not Kheni.
He dismissed accusations of inciting the public regarding toll payments, stating that he is not inciting anyone, but the public should have already stood up against this alleged irregularity.
Kumaraswamy claimed that he raised the issue of the NICE project in the assembly back in 2006-07 and suggested its cancellation, but at that time, he only received support from 38 legislators.
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