NICE Chief counters Gowda on expressway project

06.03.10 : Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), Managing Director Ashok Kheni today denied allegations levelled by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda that excess land had been acquired for implementation of the integrated Bangalore-Mysore expressway project.

Speaking to reporters here he countered the former Prime Minister should explain why the Janata Dal(Secular) had evinced 'keen interest' in safeguarding some lands acquired for the purpose. He said the charges levelled against him was totally false and he could not take away excess land from farmers as it would violate the Supreme Court verdict.

The much delayed expressway project which has five townships along has been dogged in controversy over acquisition of highly valuable land on the outskirts of the city and Mr Gowda has been spearheading an agitaion against it.
"Mr Devegowda has a 'personal agenda' and hence had been objecting the project, which is aimed at paving way for giving impetus to economic activities in Karntaka," he said.