DK Shivakumar Tweaked NICE Project for Own and Ashok Kheny’s Benefit: HD Kumaraswamy

Kumaraswamy Accuses Shivakumar Over NICE Project Changes

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on September 29, 2026, accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of changing aspects of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project when he was associated with the state’s urban development administration.

Kumaraswamy alleged that the changes benefited businessman Ashok Kheny, who promoted Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), as well as members of Shivakumar’s family. He presented documents at a press conference to support his allegations.

What Is the NICE Project?

The NICE project is part of the larger Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor initiative. NICE operates a 41-km peripheral road and an 8-km link road connecting Tumakuru Road with Hosur Road through the Mysuru and Kanakapura corridors.

The project involves toll collection and has been the subject of long-running disputes over land acquisition, project implementation, compensation and toll-related issues.

Allegations Over Increased Land Requirement

Kumaraswamy claimed that the original framework agreement signed in 1997 capped the overall land requirement at 20,193 acres. He alleged that the land earmarked for the toll-road component subsequently increased from 6,999 acres under the original framework to 9,468.86 acres under a revised outline development plan.

According to Kumaraswamy, these changes created opportunities for private interests connected with the project.

Questions Over Agreements and Land Acquisition

Kumaraswamy also questioned a 2002 tripartite agreement involving NICE, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Karnataka government.

He alleged that the agreement deviated from the original framework and described the changes as facilitating private interests. These statements are allegations made by Kumaraswamy and were not independently established in the report.

Allegations Involving Shivakumar’s Family

The Union minister further raised questions about land acquired through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) in 2004.

Kumaraswamy alleged that some of the notified land was later purchased by Shivakumar’s brother D.K. Suresh and other family members, including their mother. He questioned how the transactions were permitted and raised concerns about land that he claimed had been government property at the time.

Kumaraswamy Questions Further NICE Expansion

Kumaraswamy also questioned plans to extend the NICE project towards Mysuru. He argued that the need for such an expansion should be examined given that the Bengaluru-Mysuru national highway is already operational.

His latest comments come amid renewed political and legal scrutiny of the NICE/BMIC project and its land-related issues.

Earlier Dispute Over NICE Takeover

The controversy follows Kumaraswamy’s earlier allegations in August that an unidentified party was seeking to take over the privately operated NICE road project.

At that time, he asked Shivakumar to clarify whether the Karnataka government was considering a takeover or whether a private party was seeking control of the project.

Legal and Political Context

The NICE project has faced legal disputes for years. Recent reporting has highlighted court-related scrutiny of land acquisition and other aspects of the project, while the Karnataka government has maintained that decisions concerning the project would be taken within the law and existing agreements.

The allegations raised by Kumaraswamy are part of an ongoing political dispute over the project. Any legal or investigative findings would be required to establish whether the alleged irregularities occurred.

Key Takeaways

• H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused D.K. Shivakumar of altering the BMIC/NICE project framework.

• Kumaraswamy alleged that the changes benefited Ashok Kheny and Shivakumar’s family interests.

• He questioned the increase in land requirements for the project.

• He also raised questions over land acquisition and agreements involving NICE, NHAI and the Karnataka government.

• Kumaraswamy opposed further expansion of the NICE project towards Mysuru.

• The allegations come amid continuing legal and political scrutiny of the NICE/BMIC project.