JD(S) intensifies NICE project fight, seeks toll ban, takeover of BMICP

Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (Secular) has intensified its campaign against the NICE project, demanding immediate cancellation of toll collection on the NICE Road and takeover of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP) by the state government.

A delegation led by JDS Legislature Party Leader Suresh Babu met the state Chief Secretary and submitted a memorandum outlining the party’s demands. The delegation comprised JDS legislators and members of the Legislative Council, who urged the government to implement the directions issued by the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court concerning the project.

The JDS alleged that NICE has violated several conditions of the Framework Agreement (FWA) and Project Technical Agreement (PTA) while implementing the BMICP project. The party said the government should take immediate action against the alleged violations in accordance with court judgments, recommendations of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly committee and findings of cabinet sub-committees.

One of the key demands is an immediate ban on toll collection by NICE, which the JDS has termed unauthorised. The party has also demanded that 554 acres of additional land allegedly given to NICE be taken back by the government.

The delegation further sought the recovery of lakes, tanks, parks and other public properties allegedly handed over to the NICE company in violation of rules. It said such properties should immediately be brought back under government control.

The JDS also demanded the formation of a special expert investigation team in accordance with the High Court division bench’s directions to examine alleged irregularities, violations and injustices committed in connection with the project.

The party has sought a forensic audit of NICE’s financial transactions to investigate alleged financial irregularities, misuse of funds and economic offences.

Another major demand is that the government enact legislation to take over the BMICP project, citing alleged violations of the conditions and provisions contained in the FWA and PTA.

The JDS said it had intended to raise the NICE Road issue during the recent Assembly and Legislative Council proceedings. However, the issue could not be discussed as the opposition parties were engaged in protests demanding the removal of minister B Nagendra.

With the issue failing to come up for detailed discussion in the legislature, the JDS has now decided to intensify its campaign outside the House and press the government to act on the court directions and address its concerns over toll collection, land acquisition and alleged irregularities in the NICE project.