'Stick to original alignment'

The delegation, which met the CM at his official residence, submitted a memorandum of 12 demands. The demands included the project to be implemented as per the framework agreement signed in 1995.

CPM leader G N Nagaraj, who was part of the delegation, said the original alignment did not include much of land around Bangalore City. Whereas the successive governments had changed the alignment to benefit a few vested interests.

The NICE, promoter of the project, had been demanding excess land to the tune of 7,000 to 8,000 acres, including about 1,300 acres in and around Bangalore. The major demand of the farmers was that the government should not heed to the company’s demand, he said.
During the meeting with the CM, Advocate General Ashok Harnahalli also came under attack. Deve Gowda reportedly alleged that the AG had gone against the interest of the State in his submission before the Supreme Court. “Now you have to take the blame for the mistake your AG committed,” Gowda reportedly told the CM in the meeting.

Deve Gowda was accompanied by over 50 farmers in the delegation. However, only a few were let inside to hold the meeting with the CM. The rest entered into heated arguments with the police and raised slogans against the government.

Bettappa, a farmer, said his land had been notified for the Bidadi township. “The genuine land losers have not been allowed to attend the meeting. Where else should we raise our voice?” he questioned.

Sukumar, an employee of BEML, alleged that his house had been demolished by NICE as he refused to give up his property for the project. He, holding a poster with pictures of his demolished house, narrated his story repeatedly for almost 45 minutes.

Demands

Disclose details of land identified in 1995
Display details of land being acquired now
Disclose variations in project since its inception
 AG Ashok Harnahalli should apologise
Cases against agitators should be withdrawn