HD Kumaraswamy Flags Off Bidadi Padayatra Against Township Project

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy flagged off a padayatra against the proposed Bidadi Township project from Byramangala in Bidadi on Sunday. Speaking at the launch of the march, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader stated that the protest would secure justice for local farmers and serve as a turning point in challenging the state government's policies.

Addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy accused Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of showing excessive interest in the Bidadi project to serve vested interests. He urged local landholders not to be misled by changing compensation offers, alleging that the chief minister had released a video promising Rs 3 crore per acre after previously citing a figure of Rs 2 crore per acre.

Kumaraswamy also criticized the state government's decision to form a new committee to review the Bidadi Township project, calling the move "nothing but a joke." He pointed out that a House committee had already submitted a fact-finding report on the issue in 2006, and instructed JDS MLAs to actively oppose the project.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accompanied Kumaraswamy at the event and stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party would support the farmers against government policies impacting their livelihoods. Kumaraswamy compared the Bidadi development to the older NICE project, claiming that farmers whose land was acquired nearly three decades ago had still not received compensation or alternative sites.

Responding to the protest at KPCC Bharat Jodo Bhavan on Sunday, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that opposition parties had every right to protest in a democracy. He urged leaders to bring their concerns to the floor of the House during the Assembly session, where the government would provide an appropriate response.