HDK alleges State government of favouring NICE
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka state government of colluding with Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) to allow illegal toll collection. He also raised concerns regarding the lack of compensation for farmers whose land was acquired for the project.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions regarding infrastructure projects, private sector involvement, and land rights in India.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the State government joined hands with the promoters of the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) and allowed it to collect toll in violation of the framework agreement.
Addressing a press conference in Holenarasipur, Hassan district, on Saturday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that under the framework agreement, NICE was not entitled to collect toll from motorists. However, it had been allowed to do so, and had so far collected over ₹2,000 crore, he said.
Responding to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement that the project was the brainchild of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr. Kumaraswamy said it was indeed Mr. Deve Gowda’s project, and that the government had signed the memorandum of understanding during his 18-month tenure as Chief Minister. However, successive governments had allowed the private company to get profit unchecked, he alleged.
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