Expressway builds tension between parties in K'taka

Davangere, Karnataka, June 14 : The ruling coalition partners in Karnataka, JD(S) and BJP, seem to be heading for a major confrontation on the controversial Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Project, with the BJP insisting that it would not support its ally's move to take over the project from its executors -- Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises.

Talking to newspersons here today, Water Resources Minister K S Eshwarappa said the BJP would stick to the agreement entered into between the State Government and NICE for implementing the project.

Admitting that there was difference of opinion between the partners, he hastened to add that it did not amount to fissures in the coalition.

The rift came to the fore last evening when the two parties took divergent standpoints on the issue, ahead of a Cabinet meeting to review a draft BMIC legislation. High drama was witnessed in Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat, with Ministers from each party holding hectic parleys over the proposed legislation, seeking to take over the project. The wedge resulted in the draft Bill being deferred even before it came up before the Cabinet.

Mr Eshwarappa opined that there was no need to take the issue to the Coordination Committee of the two parties to evolve a consensus.

Only the excess land acquired by NICE should be taken back and given to the farmers concerned, he added.

The BJP had convened its Legislature Party meeting on June 18 in Bangalore to discuss several issues, including NICE, he said.

UNI