H.D. Kumaraswamy vs D.K. Shivakumar: The NICE Project 'Loot' Controversy Explained

Political tensions in Karnataka escalated in late September 2026 as ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ (H.D. Kumaraswamy), a Union Minister and former Chief Minister, launched a series of severe allegations against Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The clash centers on the NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise) project, with Kumaraswamy claiming a systemic 'loot' involving the illegal acquisition of land and environmental destruction.

The NICE Project Allegations: Land and Lakes

During a press conference in Bengaluru on September 29, 2026, H.D. Kumaraswamy presented documents to argue that the original terms of the NICE project were illegally altered. While he acknowledged that his father, H.D. Deve Gowda, originally signed the project, he alleged that the current execution deviates sharply from those initial rules.

The primary points of contention include:

• Land Acreage Increase: Kumaraswamy claims the land required for the project was illegally increased from the original 6,999 acres to 9,468 acres [2].
• Environmental Impact: He alleges that a new alignment, approved under a committee led by D.K. Shivakumar when he was Urban Development Minister, resulted in the destruction of 10-12 lakes [2].
• Improper NOCs: The former CM alleged that the NICE company issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to approximately 420 people improperly, including associates of Ashok Kheni and family members of D.K. Shivakumar [2].

D.K. Shivakumar's Defense and Asset Dispute

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed these claims as the result of political frustration. Speaking in New Delhi on September 30, 2026, Shivakumar countered that H.D. Kumaraswamy himself served as Chief Minister during the project's execution and questioned why these allegations were not raised sooner [1].

The debate also shifted toward personal wealth. Shivakumar defended his declared assets, valued at approximately ₹1,400 crore, stating they were acquired within the legal framework. To illustrate legal appreciation, he cited a specific plot purchased from late CM Bangarappa for ₹1 lakh that is now worth ₹20 crore [1].

The 'Vidhana Soudha' Challenge

The conflict reached a peak when H.D. Kumaraswamy challenged the Chief Minister to a public debate on the steps of the Vidhana Soudha to discuss the NICE project irregularities [2]. Shivakumar rejected the location of the challenge, suggesting instead that the debate should take place inside the Assembly or at Freedom Park [1].

Issue	H.D. Kumaraswamy's Claim	D.K. Shivakumar's Response
NICE Land Area	Increased from 6,999 to 9,468 acres illegally.	Claims Kumaraswamy was CM during execution.
Environmental Damage	10-12 lakes destroyed due to realignment.	Dismisses claims as political frustration.
Asset Wealth	Implies wealth is result of 'loot' and scams.	Declared ₹1,400cr assets; legally acquired.