Karnataka government cancels Bengaluru steel flyover project

The Karnataka government dropped its ambitious yet controversial steel flyover project. An official announcement regarding the same was made by Bengaluru Development Minister K J George. The decision seems to have been finalised in a meeting led by George. The government's decision comes after BJP alleged kickbacks were received for the project and the same was sent to Congress senior leaders. The BJP also alleged that details of the same were mentioned in a diary said to belong to Congress MLC Govindraj.

The diary expose had put the Congress in a spot in the state. The BJP had alleged that kickbacks received from the project were sent to senior leaders of the Congress, a charge that the Congress has refuted. The government that decided to go ahead with the flyover despite massive opposition by the citizens, has now decided to drop the project.

"It is a fabulous way forward for citizens. It shows that the government has realised that it is in a democratic setup and will of the people should matter," said Sridhar Pabbisetty of Namma Bengaluru foundation. Citizens groups have been opposing the flyover due to the suspected environmental disaster it spelt for the Bengaluru.

Sridhar also said that this was a victory for the people's movement but those who idealised the ill-conceived project should be held accountable.

OneIndia News