BJP MP writes to KTK CM on delay in completion of military

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BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar today said he has written to the Karnataka government over the "lack of progress" in the National Military Memorial project and sought its intervention for the NMM's early completion.

"I have invested significantly on NMM project over the last 10 years - emotionally, financially and timewise. Needless to say, I am disappointed to see the continuing decline and lack of progress of the memorial," he told PTI.

He said he has written to chief minister H D Kumaraswamy in this regard, who at present is holding the office chairmanship of the NMM Management Trust.

"I also wrote several letters to the previous government about the delay in memorial's completion and deteriorating condition," he said.

Chandrasekhar said the "continuing neglect and disrespect"towards the memories, sacrifices and services of armed personnel by the previous government, forced him to resign from the NMM Project Committee.

"I also resigned from its management trust in June 2015," he said.

Seeking the chief minister's intervention in the matter, he said Kumaraswamy should provide necessary security to the NMM and rare exhibits displayed at the park.

The chief minister should also inaugurate the project and dedicate it to the country without delay, he said.

"NMM, when complete, will be the first of its kind inindependent India and the citizenry is looking forward to paying tributes at India's first Military Memorial in Bengaluru," he added.

The project, conceptualised in 2009, has been mired in controversy after an association of apartment owners moved the Supreme Court challenging setting up of NMM at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountains Park in Vasanth Nagar.

The apex court gave its nod for the construction of the memorial after rejecting the pleas in August, 2010.

The project houses a MiG 23 aircraft donated by the Indian Air Force, a Vijayanta tank and an APC BTR-60 donated by Indian Army, Arjun battle tank and Tatra-based mobile bridging equipment, among other things.

In another letter to the chief minister, the MP said Kumaraswamy should constitute the Bengaluru Metropolitan Planning Committee as mandated under law.

"Reconstitution of the BMPC will transform urban governance in Bengaluru and I would urge you to implement it in letter and spirit," he said.

The government must ensure that due processes such as voluntary disclosure of project details and public consultation is followed before approving any large-scale projects, he said.