Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Deve Gowda Challenges Karnataka Plan to Allot BMICP Sites
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda is questioning a plan to give 1,453 plots to farmers who lost land for a large road project.
The project is called the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project, or BMICP.
Gowda says earlier court decisions and government statements did not allow plots to be created on land meant for roads.
He named 13 villages where he says the proposed plots are located.
He wants to know when the plots were created and who approved them.
He also worries that the project company and its investors could benefit more than the farmers.
Gowda raised additional concerns about land sales, development agreements, toll collections, and the need for a financial audit.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government would review the issue and 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 argued the allotments could conflict with the 1997 Framework Agreement and Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court rulings.
He said the proposed sites are in 13 villages that fall within BMICP’s road and road-infrastructure component.
Gowda questioned when the sites were formed, who approved them, and whether NICEL and its investors would benefit more than farmers.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government had obtained or would seek legal advice, was reviewing the issue, and would act within the law.
- Who
- Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda questioned the Karnataka government and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over a reported decision involving Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited and BMICP land losers.
- What
- The Karnataka Cabinet reportedly directed Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited to allot 1,453 sites to people who lost land for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project.
- When
- The Cabinet direction was reported as having been made on September 4, and Gowda issued his open letter on Monday.
- 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.
- Why
- Gowda said the plan could conflict with the Framework Agreement, earlier 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 forming or allotting sites on road and road-infrastructure land could violate the Framework Agreement and Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court rulings.
Karnataka Government’s response
Shivakumar said the government would proceed within the legal framework, had considered or would seek legal advice, and was reexamining the matter.
Protection of land losers
Deve Gowda’s objections
Gowda questioned whether the proposed sites would genuinely benefit farmers who lost their land and alleged that NICEL and its investors could be the real beneficiaries.
Karnataka Government’s response
Shivakumar said farmers who lost their property had to be protected and that previous governments’ agreements had provided for their interests.
Project finances and public purpose
Deve Gowda’s objections
Gowda cited court observations and alleged that land sales, Joint Development Agreements, and toll collections had benefited project proponents, calling for scrutiny including a forensic audit.
Karnataka Government’s response
The government’s response in the reports focused on legal review and did not provide a detailed public rebuttal to Gowda’s financial allegations.
- Proposed allotments
- 1,453 sites for BMICP land losers
- Project
- Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project
- Project company
- Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited, also referred to as NICEL or NICE
- Framework Agreement
- The agreement dated April 3, 1997, governing the project
- Gowda’s legal objection
- He said sites cannot be formed on land acquired for roads, interchanges, or road infrastructure under the Framework Agreement.
- Government response
- D.K. Shivakumar said the government would seek or had obtained legal advice, was examining the matter, and would act within the legal framework.
- Additional allegations
- Gowda cited concerns about land sales, Joint Development Agreements, toll collections, project finances, and the need for a forensic audit.
Sources
Deve Gowda takes on CM Shivakumar over NICE land allotment, invokes court orders
‘Investors in your Cabinet?’ Deve Gowda’s jab over Bangalore-Mysore link sites
Alloting sites to BMICP land losers will be contrary to SC judgement: Deve Gowda
