Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday, 2 October accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of colluding with Hyderabad-based businessman Mahesh Reddy to seize control of the NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise) project and exploit the land acquired for it. The allegations were levelled during a day-long tour of villages affected by the project along the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor.

What the NICE Project Is

The NICE project is a major infrastructure initiative conceived to develop a road corridor connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru, along with peripheral roads and associated infrastructure. The project involved the acquisition of large tracts of agricultural and other land across several villages in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy alleged that land acquired for the road project was instead being used for real estate activities — a charge that has fuelled a growing farmers' agitation in the region.

Kumaraswamy's Allegations Against Shivakumar

Addressing reporters after meeting displaced farmers, Kumaraswamy alleged that Mahesh Reddy — described as being involved in real estate and other businesses in Hyderabad — had joined hands with Chief Minister Shivakumar to take over the entire NICE project. He alleged that 1.75 lakh acres had been identified between Bengaluru and Mysuru for potential exploitation and claimed that a 'red carpet' was being rolled out for the Telangana-based businessman.

'How many crores is the deal for? I have all the information about who Mahesh Reddy is. The time will come when everything will be revealed,' Kumaraswamy said. He also alleged that Shivakumar had acquired around 200 to 300 acres in the B.M. Kaval area and questioned how the land had been purchased within the NICE project zone.

Kumaraswamy further claimed that attempts had been made through intermediaries to persuade him to disengage from the NICE issue, allegedly with offers including funds for election expenses. 'I cannot be bought by anyone. I am a man of the people. I live for the people and am ready to give my life for them,' he said, rejecting those overtures.

Shivakumar Land Claim and Counter-Challenge

Kumaraswamy took members of the media and public to the B.M. Kaval area, claiming the land there — described as fertile agricultural land — belonged to the Chief Minister. Responding to counter-allegations that he himself owned land in the NICE project area, Kumaraswamy issued a blunt challenge. 'If it is proved that I have purchased even a piece of land in the NICE project area, I will publicly hang myself,' he said. He added that he had purchased 44 acres in Bidadi before entering politics and was using it for agriculture and animal husbandry, not real estate.

NICE Promoter Ashok Kheny and the Siddaganga Mutt Angle

Kumaraswamy also demanded the immediate arrest of NICE promoter Ashok Kheny, alleging that Kheny had made derogatory remarks against Shivakumara Mahaswamiji. He accused Chief Minister Shivakumar of shielding Kheny and alleged the two were collaborating on NICE project matters. Separately, he claimed that Kheny had exploited property belonging to Siddaganga Mutt.

Kumaraswamy noted that the Karnataka High Court had already made strong observations regarding the NICE project and that the NICE company had approached the Supreme Court challenging those observations. The matter is reportedly scheduled to come up for hearing on 5 October, after which, he said, the farmers' agitation would 'take a new turn'.

What Happens Next

Kumaraswamy, who was accompanied by Legislative Council member Javare Gowda, former MLA A. Manjunath, Greater Bengaluru Janata Dal (Secular) president H.M. Ramesh Gowda, and senior leader Rudresh, said he had already released the first set of documents alleging irregularities and that several more sets would follow. He stated that another meeting of key leaders would be convened soon and that the next course of action would be decided after the Supreme Court hearing on 5 October. 'Our struggle will not end here. A major agitation will be organised along with the people. Our protest will remain peaceful,' he said. He appealed to affected farmers not to lose hope and assured them of continued support.