D K Shivakumar and H D Kumaraswamy Clash Over Bidadi Township Project

A political row escalated on Sunday in Bengaluru as Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy traded sharp allegations over the implementation of the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project in Bidadi. The dispute highlighted ongoing opposition to the project from local farmers and sparked intense political sparring between the ruling Congress party and the JD(S).

Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar attributed Kumaraswamy's opposition to the township project to jealousy. Shivakumar noted that like the Yelahanka and Kengeri townships in Bengaluru, the Bidadi township was originally the brainchild of Kumaraswamy, who is a former chief minister of the state.

Shivakumar stated that because he is now implementing the project, the JD(S) leader is worried. To illustrate his point, the Congress leader narrated an Akbar-Birbal tale to suggest that Kumaraswamy was jealous that the current Congress government was executing the project.

The Bidadi township project, which is considered a pet project of Shivakumar, has attracted significant opposition from local farmers. Taking a dig at Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar remarked that when the Union minister had the opportunity to execute the project, he could not do it. Shivakumar added that the electorate had voted the Congress party into power with 136 seats, and the government would do whatever was possible for the people of Bengaluru and Karnataka.

Responding to these comments, Kumaraswamy questioned whether Shivakumar’s power was permanent, noting that he had already served as chief minister for two terms. Kumaraswamy urged Shivakumar to focus on more pressing issues, stating that three farmers had died by suicide and that the Chief Minister should speak about that instead.

Kumaraswamy further stated that he remains ready to discuss the Bidadi project, provided the discussions take place in the presence of the farmers. He accused Shivakumar of being more interested in the real estate business than the welfare of the farmers. He also criticized a recent meeting hosted by the chief minister, stating there was no need to hold meetings inside four walls while exempting the farmers from the discussion.