Yathindra Accuses BJP-JDS of Misleading Farmers Over Bidadi Township Project

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Sunday accused the BJP and JD(S) of misleading farmers regarding the proposed Bidadi Township project, speaking to media persons in Vijayapura.

Yathindra stated that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has already made it clear that the government will not take land forcibly from farmers for the project. He noted that since the government's stance is clear, it is up to the farmers to decide whether or not to give their land for the initiative.

Criticizing the opposition, Yathindra said the BJP and JD(S) are playing politics over the matter by misleading the farmers. He pointed out that the Bidadi Township plan was actually started by the BJP government itself in the past, and questioned why the party is now opposing a project it initiated.

During the interaction, Yathindra also rebutted reports claiming that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was upset with the Congress High Command for not considering his recommended MLAs for Cabinet induction. He asked whether Siddaramaiah had ever expressed displeasure or claimed the party had sidelined him, adding that the High Command took Siddaramaiah's consent during the Cabinet expansion.

Clarifying Siddaramaiah's absence from the Cabinet oath-taking ceremony, Yathindra explained that the former CM was busy receiving birthday wishes from supporters. He added that while it is common for several MLAs to feel disappointed about not joining the Cabinet, the High Command will solve the issue.