Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government over the allocation of sites to farmers affected by the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project.
- HD Deve Gowda questioned the legality of site allotments to 1,453 farmers under the BMICP project.
- The former PM accused the state government of defying Supreme Court and High Court rulings.
- Allegations have been made regarding potential collusion between the government and NICE investors.
The political landscape in Karnataka has intensified following a sharp confrontation between former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and the current state administration. In a stinging open letter addressed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Deve Gowda accused the government of "subverting the rule of law" regarding the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP).
The controversy stems from the Karnataka Cabinet's recent decision to allow Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) two months to allot sites to 1,453 farmers whose land was acquired for the project. Deve Gowda has raised serious concerns about where these sites are being formed, suggesting they fall within the very road infrastructure areas that were acquired, which contradicts previous judicial observations.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this dispute touches upon the core of administrative integrity in large-scale infrastructure projects. The tension between judicial mandates and executive decisions regarding farmer compensation could set a significant legal precedent for land acquisition in India.
"Are the investors in your Cabinet, Mr Chief Minister? The state wants to know." — HD Deve Gowda.
Deve Gowda highlighted that the Karnataka High Court had previously ruled that compensation cannot be provided through sites formed on lands handed over for road infrastructure under the Framework Agreement (FWA). He further alleged that the state has acted as an "accomplice" in allowing private proponents to reap illegal profits, questioning whether a forensic audit of NICE's accounts would ever truly be conducted.
In response to these explosive allegations, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar maintained that the government is acting within the legal framework. He stated that the administration has sought legal opinions and is re-examining the situation to ensure compliance with the law and existing agreements signed by NICE under previous administrations.
| Feature | Deve Gowda's Allegation | Government's Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Defying Supreme Court/High Court rulings | Acting within the confines of law |
| Beneficiaries | NICE and its private investors | Affected farmers (1,453 individuals) |
| Site Formation | Illegal formation on road infrastructure land | Following Supreme Court's guidance |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is NICE in this context?
NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises) is the private entity involved in the Bangalore-Mysore link project.
2. What is the government's current plan?
The government aims to allot sites to 1,453 farmers within two months, utilizing 574 available sites and having NICE develop the rest.
