Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on August 21 reiterated his appeal to motorists not to pay the toll on the NICE Road, intensifying the ongoing dispute between vehicle users and toll plaza operators.
Speaking to mediapersons in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy alleged that the NICE organisation was collecting toll illegally and accused the state government of allowing arbitrary increases in toll rates. He urged motorists to continue refusing payment despite the possibility of police cases.
“Do not be afraid even if an FIR is registered. I appeal to the people with folded hands do not pay the toll under any circumstances,” Kumaraswamy said.
His remarks come amid growing confusion at NICE toll plazas following his earlier statement asking motorists to stop making payments. Several motorists have reportedly refused to pay after showing videos of Kumaraswamy’s statement circulating on social media.
The refusal has led to heated exchanges between toll staff and motorists, with employees questioning drivers about any court order or government direction exempting them from payment. Toll operators have maintained that no such official order exists and have reportedly put up notices warning motorists of legal action for refusing to pay.
Kumaraswamy, however, stepped up his criticism of the state government and the NICE organisation. He claimed that the company had collected around Rs 2,000 crore through tolls and questioned the government’s decision to continue allowing collections. He also questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s role in the matter and demanded to know why the government had not taken steps to stop toll collection when violations occurred.
