Session: Coalition faces NICE rage

Session: Coalition faces NICE rage
Deccan Herald

It is not going to be a “nice” time for the ruling JD (S)-BJP combine in the legislature session commencing on Monday. The Opposition Congress is all set to exploit the differences between.....

It is not going to be a “nice” time for the ruling JD (S)-BJP combine in the legislature session commencing on Monday. The Opposition Congress is all set to exploit the differences between the partners on the controversial BMIC project.

After taking on Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), the promoters of Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project, the JD(S) is in a tight spot.

On the one hand, it is not getting the support from its coalition partner BJP for its proposal to take over the project, and on the other the Congress is bound to be aggressive.

The Congress is set to move an adjournment motion against the government over the BMIC controversy seeking a threadbare discussion. Despite hectic political activity in the camps of the coalition partners, the much awaited joint meeting of the JD (S) and BJP did not materialise on Sunday.

The JD (S), as indicated on Friday, has given up its earlier decision to introduce a bill during this session to take over the entire BMIC project.

But the BJP has not budged from its earlier stand that “excess land” allotted for the project should be reclaimed and given back to the farmers without legislation. However, the JD (S) has already made it clear that the land cannot be reclaimed without legislation.

In a strategic move, the JD (S) has now asked all its legislators to participate in the discussion on the BMIC in the legislature houses and make public all the provisions of its proposed bill.

JD (S) leader H D Deve Gowda, who participated in the party legislators’ meeting, is said to have asked the MLAs to use the opportunity to “expose” the alleged violation of the framework agreement by the NICE.

The party is also said to have taken the stand that no excess land would be released to NICE, without bringing about legislation. “Legislation is a complex issue in the present circumstance as it would be embarrassing for the government if the apex court passes strictures against it,” a senior leader said.

JD (S) state president M P Prakash told reporters after the meeting, that the truth about the NICE and the BMIC project would be brought out by the party legislators during the discussion.

According to sources, the JD (S) has given emphasis to save the government in the wake of differences with its ally.

BJP stand

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with BJP senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu, who has been deputed by the party president Rajnath Singh on a trouble-shooting mission, state unit President D V Sadananda Gowda said the project should not be shelved at any cost and nothing should be done to deter investors.

The Rs 5 lakh cheque bouncing episode is also expected to be taken up by the opposition.

Coinciding with the legislature session are consultations by Congress leaders to decide the nature of ties with rebel JD (S) leader Siddaramaiah.

This is expected to further increase the political heat with the JD (S) deciding to again press for disqualification of Mr Siddaramaiah and his supporters from the Assembly. Such a move might even trigger a debate, within and outside the Houses.

Allegations of effecting transfers of officials even after the deadline, delay in implementing the budgetary schemes and the Cauvery river water sharing issue are also expected to come up before the session.

WHAT'S UP

* Proposed BMIC Bill not to be tabled during this session

* Provisions of proposed Bill to be disclosed informally during discussion

*Congress to move adjournment motion against govt over BMIC row

* JD (S) legislators asked to ‘expose’ alleged violation of framework agreement by NICE during discussion

* BJP legislature party meeting on Monday at 8:30 am