Take over BMIC

Mysore, July 8 (UNI) Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and All India Progressive Janata Dal leader Siddaramaiah today demanded that the State Government take over the controversial Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project by bringing in a legislation and agree for a CBI probe into the fiasco, as demanded by all parties.

Addressing a rally at his Chamundeswari Assembly constituency here, he said the State Government should cancel the agreement with the project promoters, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise, and complete the project on its own. The excess land acquired must be distributed among the farmers, its original owners.

Expressing displeasure over the judicial inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister after a marathon discussion on the floor of the Assembly, Mr Siddaramaiah said it was just a recommended body and could not take action against those found guilty. ''If they really want to book the guilty, they should agree to a CBI probe immediately as demanded by many parties,'' he added, asking whether the Government was afraid of a CBI probe.

Referring to the allegation that the Chief Minister had taken Rs 150 crore as bribe from mine owners indulging in illegal mining in Bellary district, he said the Government had no moral right to continue in power as the allegation had been levelled by a coalition partner, BJP, MLC.

UNI BSP GD LS PM1939