Shivakumar Rejects Kumaraswamy's Charges on NICE Project as 'Lies'

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday rejected the allegations levelled by Union Minister for Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy over the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), calling them a "set of lies" and declining to engage with the specific charges.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar questioned the timing of the Union Minister's remarks, asking why he had remained silent for several days. He pointed out that the agreement in question had been signed by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and that Mr. Kumaraswamy himself had served as Chief Minister. The Chief Minister said he had no connection with the matter and that he would neither respond to the charges nor make counter-allegations of his own.

Mr. Shivakumar said he would not be intimidated by such threats and described the episode as blackmail and drama. He alleged that Mr. Kumaraswamy was unable to accept the popularity of the present government, and referred to phone-tapping of the late Balagangadhara Swamiji and Nirmalananda Swamiji of Adichunchangiri Mutt. He said such conduct reflected desperation, and asked whether the Union Minister would spare him either. He added that the NICE project would benefit Chennapatna, Ramanagara and Mysuru.

On the allegation that his wealth had grown, the Chief Minister acknowledged holding property worth ₹1,400 crore at current value, which he said had been declared to the Income Tax authorities. He described himself as the son of a farmer and a businessman, and asked whether he should not purchase properties. He said his children might buy more, as they have the capacity and the law permits it, and that he has the right to do business and the ability to earn more.

Citing a site allotted to him by former Chief Minister the late S. Bangarappa, Mr. Shivakumar said he had paid ₹99,000 for it and that its value now stands at about ₹20 crore. He said the value of his properties had risen, asked what was wrong with that, and added that he owns hundreds of such properties and has declared them every year.

Responding to a further allegation concerning a 10-acre land parcel near Hoskerehalli, from which his brother D.K. Suresh is said to have made an estimated ₹2,000 crore through a joint development agreement with Sobha Developers, the Chief Minister asked what was wrong in it and whether he had been caught in any scandal or corruption.

On the Union Minister's challenge for an open debate on the grand stairs of Vidhana Soudha, Mr. Shivakumar asked him to come for a discussion in the Assembly instead.