Man of Steel? Karnataka minister KJ George refuses to bend

BENGALURU: The state government demonstrated its steely resolve to forge ahead with the controversial flyover in the heart of the city, browbeating leaders of BJP, the principal Opposition, at a meeting called by Bengaluru city development minister K. J. George, on Tuesday.

The discussion among Members of Parliament, MLAs and MLCs, elected from the city, was anything but cordial resulting in a walkout by BJP leaders who accused the government of taking unilateral decisions, ignoring the resentment of scores of people. While these leaders accused the government of convening the meeting only to express its point of view, Mr George described events at the meeting as "a drama staged by BJP leaders."

"There was a protest against the project by only 1300 people. They cannot represent 1.3 crore people of Bengaluru. The government was elected by the public and has the right to take decisions," declared Mr George.

BJP leaders R. Ashok and S. Suresh Kumar alleged that they were shouted down by Congress leaders at the meeting as consultants, contractors and even the date for the groundbreaking ceremony were already fixed for the government's "favourite" flyover. "This government is bent upon going ahead without listening to the sincere concerns of the citizens. We will plan our next course of action," added Mr Suresh Kumar.

Mr George, who made a video presentation to the media on the flyover proposed to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1, 760 crores, said none approached him or Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) when suggestions were invited for the project. In fact, the government was ready to share all details including, the detailed project report (DPR).

"We are ready to invite suggestions from residents' and people's organisations about the project, but the government has powers to either accept or reject proposals given by citizens," he added.