The rivalry between Karnataka’s Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy took a new turn on September 29 with the latter releasing documents on Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project, and accusing the former of taking decisions in 2004 as Urban Development Minister and Chairman of Bengaluru-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Area Planning Authority (BMICPA) that were in violation of the original framework agreement. He alleged that a good portion of the current wealth of over ₹ 1,400 crores of the Chief Minister came from the alleged ‘manipulation and fraud’ committed in the NICE project.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Mr. Kumaraswamy released documents of ‘illegal land purchases’ by Mr. Shivakumar, his brother D.K. Suresh, and other family members. He alleged that the total land in their possession is over 150 acres. These lands were notified for the project, which cannot be sold, bought, or mortgaged.

Mr. Kumaraswamy alleged that the BMICPA — under Mr. Shivakumar — modified land allocation through the Outline Development Plan from 6,999 acres allocated for road, interchanges, and toll plaza in the Framework Agreement to 9,488 acres. The modified plan also changed the quantum of land allocated to five townships, he alleged. While the cabinet had approved the land allocation under the Framework Agreement, the modifications had not received cabinet nod, and the Karnataka High Court had also pointed out to such deviations that are in violation of the framework agreement, he said.

“While changes in land allocation were modified, the total quantum of land required for road and five township projects had been kept at 20,193 acres,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

The Union Minister, seeking criminal action against Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise promoter Ashok Kheny, said that he would mobilise farmers, who are yet to get compensation. “We will seek judicial action against those who have indulged in the fraud and deceit,” he said.

When asked why he had not acted when he became chief minister with support from the BJP (between February 2006 and October 2007), Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “There were legal hurdles back then, which have now been cleared by the High Court of Karnataka.” He also said that the release of these documents were only part of many ‘revelations’ that will follow.