3 hrs ago
Deve Gowda Challenges Karnataka Sites Plan Over Court Orders
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda is questioning a plan by the Karnataka government to give 1,453 plots to farmers who lost land for a major road project.
The project is called the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project, or BMICP.
Gowda says earlier court cases and government statements did not allow plots to be created on land meant for roads.
He wants to know when the plots were made and who approved them.
He also says the plan might help the project company and its investors more than the farmers.
Gowda raised concerns about the company’s land sales, agreements, and toll collections.
He says the project was supposed to improve transport and reduce congestion.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government took legal advice and is reviewing the issue.
He said the final action would follow the law.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda questioned Karnataka’s reported plan to allot 1,453 sites to BMICP land losers.
Gowda said the proposed allotments could conflict with the Framework Agreement and earlier Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court rulings.
He identified 13 villages where he alleged the land falls within BMICP’s road and road-infrastructure component.
Gowda questioned when the sites were formed, who approved them, and whether NICEL and its investors—not farmers—would benefit.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government had obtained legal advice, was reexamining the matter, and would act according to law.
- Who
- Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda questioned Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Karnataka Cabinet over a reported decision involving NICEL and BMICP land losers.
- What
- The Cabinet reportedly directed or gave Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited two months to allot 1,453 sites to people who lost land for the BMICP.
- Where
- The proposed sites are in Bengaluru-area villages including Madavara, Kodigehalli, Kengeri, Komaghatta, Varahasandra, Sompura, Pillaganahalli, Kemathanahalli, UM Kaval, Chikkathoguru, Pantharapalya, K.G. Srikanthapura and Gangondanahalli.
- When
- The open letter and public criticism were issued on Monday; the Cabinet direction was reported as having been made on September 4.
- Why
- Gowda said the allotment could conflict with the BMICP Framework Agreement, prior government positions, and court rulings concerning land acquired for roads and road infrastructure.
Deve Gowda’s objections
Karnataka Government’s response
Legality of the allotment
Deve Gowda’s objections
Gowda argued that allotting sites on road and road-infrastructure land could violate the Framework Agreement and Supreme Court and High Court rulings.
Karnataka Government’s response
Shivakumar said the government had obtained legal advice, was reviewing the decision, and would proceed within the law.
Who benefits
Deve Gowda’s objections
Gowda questioned whether NICEL and its investors, rather than land losers, would be the real beneficiaries of the proposed sites.
Karnataka Government’s response
The government’s reported purpose is to allot sites to farmers affected by the BMICP; it has not accepted Gowda’s allegations in the material provided.
Project finances and conduct
Deve Gowda’s objections
Gowda cited court observations and alleged that land sales, Joint Development Agreements, and toll collections had benefited project proponents and warranted scrutiny.
Karnataka Government’s response
The government’s stated response was limited to saying that it was reexamining the matter legally; no detailed rebuttal to the financial allegations was provided.
Key facts
- Proposed allotments
- 1,453 sites for BMICP land losers
- Project
- Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project
- Project company
- Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited (NICEL), also referred to as NICE
- Framework Agreement
- The April 3, 1997 agreement governing the project
- Gowda’s legal objection
- He said sites cannot be formed on land acquired for roads, interchanges, or road infrastructure under the agreement.
- Government response
- D.K. Shivakumar said the government took legal advice, is reexamining the matter, and will act according to law.
- Additional allegation
- Gowda cited concerns about NICEL’s land transactions, Joint Development Agreements, toll collections, and the need for a forensic audit.
Quotes
H.D. Deve Gowda
Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader
“Has your Cabinet just proved that the Court's doubt is indubitably fact? Has your Cabinet just approved the formation of sites in the teeth of Supreme Court judgments and the stand of the government you have been headed for over a decade now”
deccanchronicle.com
“Are the real beneficiaries of the sites not the land losers but NICEL and its investors? Are the investors in your Cabinet, Mr. Chief Minister? The state wants to know”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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