DKS dismisses allegations of Kumaraswamy as ‘pack of lies’
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday rejected allegations levelled by Union Minister for Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy over the Bengaluru–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), calling them “lies” and refusing to respond to specific charges. Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Mr. Shivakumar said he had “no connection” with the project and accused the former Chief Minister of resorting to blackmail and theatrics.
Background
The BMICP, popularly known as the NICE project, has long been a politically contentious infrastructure initiative in Karnataka. It aims to connect Bengaluru with Mysuru and has seen multiple governments weigh in on agreements and execution. Mr. Shivakumar noted that the agreement for the project dated back to the tenure of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr. Kumaraswamy’s father, and that Mr. Kumaraswamy himself had served as Chief Minister during its trajectory.
Shivakumar’s rebuttal
Mounting a forceful defence, Mr. Shivakumar questioned the timing and intent behind the allegations. “Why was he silent for so many days? It was his father (former Prime Minister H.D. Deve gowda) who signed the agreement. He (Mr. Kumaraswamy) was also the Chief Minister. All that he has said is a set of lies. I have no connection with it,” he told presspersons in Delhi.
Declining to engage point-by-point, he added: “I will neither respond nor will I make allegations. I do not have the time for this. I will not be cowed down by such threats. I have seen this blackmail and drama. He is unable to digest our government’s popularity. He has tapped phones of the late Balagangadhara Swamiji and Nirmalananda Swamiji (seers of Adichunchangiri Mutt). He has not spread anyone? Will he spare me? It shows his desperation.”
Defending the BMICP’s merit, the Chief Minister said the NICE corridor would benefit Channapatna, Ramanagara and Mysuru.
Wealth and property disclosures
Responding to Mr. Kumaraswamy’s allegations about the growth of his personal wealth, Mr. Shivakumar openly acknowledged the current valuation of his assets and asserted that all disclosures had been made to the authorities. “Yes. I have ₹1,400-crore worth property in current value. I have declared it before IT. I am the son of a farmer and a businessman. Should I not purchase properties? My children may buy more properties and they have capacity and the law permits it. I have the right to do business and I have the capacity to earn more.”
Offering an example of value appreciation over time, he cited a site allotted to him by former Chief Minister, the late S. Bangarappa. “I paid ₹99,000 and its value now is about ₹20 crore. Value of my properties has gone up. What is wrong with that? I have hundreds of such properties. I have declared it every year.”
Land deal allegation
Addressing another charge — that a 10-acre land parcel near Hoskerehalli enabled his brother and Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh to make an estimated ₹2,000 crore through a joint development agreement with Sobha Developers — Mr. Shivakumar rejected any insinuation of wrongdoing. “What is wrong in it? Have I been caught in a scandal or corruption?” he asked, asserting that there had been no illegality.
Debate challenge and next steps
In response to Mr. Kumaraswamy’s challenge for an open debate on the grand stairs of Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister said the Union Minister should instead come to the Assembly for a discussion. Mr. Shivakumar reiterated he would not be drawn into a prolonged exchange of allegations and maintained that the government’s work and popularity spoke for themselves.
Conclusion
Mr. Shivakumar’s remarks underscore escalating tensions between the two leaders over the long-debated BMICP and associated land and wealth questions. While dismissing the charges as baseless, he emphasized declared assets, denied any link to corruption, and urged that any substantive discussion be held in the Assembly rather than through public spectacle.
