Mandya: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday alleged that Karnataka govt had colluded with NICE company and accused successive govts and officials of violating the framework agreement related to NICE road project.Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Kumaraswamy said a recent division bench order of Karnataka high court made strong observations on NICE project.Describing the project as one of the biggest scams in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy alleged that successive govts and officials had violated the framework agreement and extended undue favours to the company. He claimed that authorities had “rolled out the red carpet” for the firm’s owners, while farmers whose lands were acquired for the project had allegedly remained without compensation for over two decades.He further alleged that valuable land acquired from farmers in the name of the project had been diverted for real estate activities and that the company had entered into joint development agreements with major corporate entities.Kumaraswamy said the court had examined these issues and observed that toll collection on NICE road was illegal. However, he alleged that the govt had failed to act despite the court’s observations.Reacting to public works minister Satish Jarkiholi’s statement that the agreement had another 20 years to run, Kumaraswamy questioned the basis of the claim. “Which agreement are they referring to?” he asked, alleging that the govt was protecting the company rather than safeguarding the interests of farmers and the public.He also alleged that the company had not invested “even Rs 5” in the project and claimed that govt land leased at a nominal rate had been used as collateral to secure loans from ICICI Bank. He accused the govt of remaining a silent spectator to the alleged misuse of public assets.Kumaraswamy said he had raised NICE issue in the assembly as early as 2006-07 and had even suggested scrapping the project if the House agreed. However, he said he had the backing of only 38 legislators at the time. He claimed that if he had enjoyed the support of 134 MLAs, “all those involved would have been in jail.”Responding to remarks allegedly made by former MLA and NICE promoter Ashok Kheny, Kumaraswamy said he had nothing to say to him. “I am questioning the govt, not Kheny. The court’s order is against the govt, not Kheny,” he said.Kumaraswamy also denied allegations that he was trying to incite public sentiment over toll collection on the NICE road. He said people had already been demanding action and alleged that the govt had “completely surrendered” to the company.“The govt is not meant to protect one individual. It is meant to protect the interests of the people of Karnataka,” he said.
