EC have annuled the decision of Karnataka government on NICE

Mangalore, May 8 (UNI) In a major setback to Karnataka Government the Election Commission of India (ECI) have struck down the April 25 decision of the State Executive Committee and Empower committee on Bangalore-Mysore infrastructure corridor project being executed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE).

Announcing the decision of the ECI Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy informed press persons here today that the EC has reviewed the April 25 decision of the state government which had decided to hand over 2200 acres of land to NICE which is executing the project and instructed not to implement it.

Mr Gopalaswamy also informed that the EC has also instructed the state government not to take any further decision on the issue till the completion of the election process in the state. "The decision of the state government on the issue amounts to violation of model code of conduct" Gopalaswamy said.

It may be recalled that the state executive committee headed by Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur in its April 25 meeting, has decided to hand over 2200 acres of land acquired for the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project to NICE which is executing the project.

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda had strongly criticised the decision of the state government and opposed to hand over the controversial 2200 acres which allegedly worth over Rs 30000 crores to NICE.

Among others the executive committee had also taken decision to resolve issues over required extend of land and alignment with NICE by way of a joint survey rather than litigation.

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