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D K Shivakumar is in the latest Karnataka news amid a political dispute over allegations concerning the NICE Road project, while his government continues to seek central assistance for drought relief and faster approval of major water projects.
On September 30, 2026, Shivakumar responded to allegations made by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy concerning his family’s assets and the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) project. Shivakumar rejected the allegations and said his family’s wealth was acquired legally through business and investments.
D K Shivakumar Latest News: Top Headlines
- Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar responded to allegations over the NICE Road project.
- H D Kumaraswamy has alleged irregularities involving the project and Shivakumar’s family.
- Shivakumar rejected the allegations and challenged Kumaraswamy to provide evidence.
- Karnataka is seeking central assistance for drought-affected areas.
- Shivakumar has proposed an all-party delegation to Delhi to seek drought relief.
- The Chief Minister has urged the Centre to speed up clearances for the Mekedatu project.
- Karnataka is also seeking progress on other major water-resource projects.
- The Western Ghats and Ecologically Sensitive Area issue remains another major state-Centre concern.
NICE Road Allegations Trigger Political Exchange
The latest D K Shivakumar news is dominated by the political exchange with H D Kumaraswamy.
Kumaraswamy has alleged that Shivakumar’s wealth increased substantially over the years and has linked those allegations to the controversial NICE Road project. He has also alleged that changes to the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project framework benefited certain individuals and businesses. These claims have been reported as allegations by Kumaraswamy and have not been established as facts.
Shivakumar rejected the accusations and questioned why a person with a business background should not be allowed to own property. He said his family’s assets were built through legitimate business activities and investments.
The dispute has also expanded into questions about land holdings in areas connected with the NICE project. Shivakumar has questioned land acquisitions involving Kumaraswamy’s family members, while Kumaraswamy has said he would continue raising the issue and release additional documents.
D K Shivakumar and Karnataka Drought Relief
Another major issue for the Karnataka government is the state’s drought situation.
Shivakumar has been seeking financial assistance from the Union government and has proposed an all-party delegation to Delhi to present Karnataka’s case. The state has requested central assistance after identifying drought-affected areas.
According to recent reporting, Karnataka has requested assistance under its drought memorandum, while the state government is also considering measures to provide support to affected farmers.
Shivakumar has said Karnataka will continue pursuing relief even if opposition parties do not participate in the proposed delegation.
The drought issue has financial implications because the state must balance relief measures with existing government programmes and other expenditure commitments.
Mekedatu Project and Water Resources
Water-resource development is another important part of the latest D K Shivakumar news.
On September 29, Shivakumar urged Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil to accelerate clearances for several Karnataka water projects, including the ₹16,745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project.
He argued that timely decisions were important for Karnataka’s drinking-water requirements, irrigation and drought mitigation.
The state is also seeking progress on the Upper Bhadra project and other pending water-related matters. The issue remains significant because Karnataka is dealing with water and drought concerns while seeking greater central support for infrastructure projects.
Western Ghats and Environmental Issues
Shivakumar has also been involved in Karnataka’s position on Western Ghats environmental regulations.
The Karnataka government has raised concerns about the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area framework, arguing that implementation should take local communities, agriculture and existing land-use patterns into account. Recent discussions have included requests for detailed verification using revenue records, satellite imagery and ground-level assessments.
D K Shivakumar Latest Update
As of September 30, 2026, D K Shivakumar’s latest political developments include the continuing NICE Road dispute with H D Kumaraswamy, Karnataka’s efforts to secure drought assistance from the Centre, and negotiations over major water projects.
The NICE-related accusations remain claims made by Kumaraswamy, while Shivakumar has denied wrongdoing. Further developments will depend on documents, official investigations or other competent authorities where applicable.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s drought relief requirements and pending water projects remain key issues for the state government as it continues discussions with the Union government.
