Yeddyurappa asks Devegowda to come for open debate on NICE project

Bangalore / New Delhi, Jan 10 (ANI): Reacting to the comments made by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday said he was ready for an open debate over the controversial Bangalore -Mysore infrastructure corridor with him.

On Saturday, addressing the agitating farmers Devegowda alleged the State government of "colluding" with the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) to "rob" the farmers' lands.

"The Government was bent upon ruining the lives of poor farmers by taking away their lands," Devegowda added.

A section of the media also reported Devegowda saying: "No need for Sadanand Gowda (state BJP president) to come here for talks, farmers will hit him like anything. If he dares let him invite me, I will come to Keshav Shilpa (the State RSS office)."

Speaking to media at his residence Yeddyurappa clarified "The BJP Government followed the instructions of the Supreme Court," and claimed he has "not committed any mistakes in the project."

Yeddyyurappa said: "It was Devegowda's Government which allotted land for NICE project and now he his making allegation on our government."

In New Delhi, reacting to Devegowda's statement, BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad said: "The statement made by Gowda are not at the stature of a person who once accidently became the Prime Minister of this country."

"Gowda should apologise to the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Devegowda has threatened that he will launch a sit in protest in front of Yeddyurappa's residence from Wednesday. (ANI)