Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has rejected allegations of irregularities linked to the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project, saying his assets were acquired legally and declared to the authorities. Responding to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s allegations, Shivakumar said his assets are currently valued at around Rs 1,400 crore and questioned why owning property should itself raise suspicion.

Kumaraswamy had called for Shivakumar’s resignation, alleging that deviations in the infrastructure project were approved during Shivakumar’s tenure as Urban Development Minister without Cabinet approval. The project was implemented by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises Ltd (NICE). Shivakumar dismissed the allegations as false and questioned Kumaraswamy’s involvement in the project, noting that his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda had signed the project agreement.

Shivakumar also raised questions about properties allegedly belonging to Kumaraswamy and others that fall within areas connected to the BMICP, NICE Road and Bidadi Township projects. He referred to a site he said he had received during former Chief Minister S Bangarappa’s tenure for around Rs 99,000 and which he claimed is now worth about Rs 20 crore. He said the rise in the value of his properties was reflected in his declared assets.

Also Read: Karnataka Mandapam Planned on Lines of Bharat Mandapam, Says DK Shivakumar

Addressing allegations concerning his investments, including a claim that a Rs 5 crore investment in Sobha Developers had grown substantially in value, Shivakumar said he had not acquired his wealth through bribery or illegal activity. He said his assets had been declared every year and that the Election Commission and Enforcement Directorate had examined them. He also challenged Kumaraswamy to submit any information or evidence concerning his assets to the relevant authorities for investigation.

The Karnataka Chief Minister also responded to Kumaraswamy’s challenge for a debate on the steps of Vidhana Soudha. Shivakumar said the discussion should instead take place inside the Assembly and challenged Kumaraswamy to participate in a formal debate. He also referred to Kumaraswamy’s tenure as chief minister in 2007, claiming that the project had been awarded to Nikhil Gandhi through an auction during that period.

Shivakumar further said he was aware of what he described as various tactics being used against him, including allegations involving phone tapping and references to artificial intelligence and sting operations. He said he would not be intimidated by such allegations and attributed the controversy to political competition. Kumaraswamy has indicated that his allegations would continue beyond what he has called “Part 1”, while Shivakumar said he did not intend to make further allegations and was only responding to questions raised by reporters.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Makes Unexpected Inspection Of Kanakapura Student Hostels For Food Safety