HD Kumaraswamy seeks farmer participation in talks over Bidadi row

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said he is awaiting Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s response to his letter, seeking rescheduling of a meeting on the proposed GBIT project near Bidadi in Bengaluru South district, and the Government’s land acquisition for it.

The Union Minister also stressed that the talks should involve the farmers affected by the project, instead of a few holding a discussion at Vidhana Soudha, as proposed by the CM. Shivakumar had on Monday invited Kumaraswamy to his office at Vidhana Soudha on June 26, for a discussion on the issue.

However, citing prior commitments, Kumaraswamy had sought to reschedule the meeting to June 27, proposing the discussion be organised at a suitable venue in Bidadi or Byramangala instead of Vidhana Soudha, aiming to give affected farmers and villagers an opportunity to participate.

Meanwhile, reacting to Kumaraswamy’s letter, Shivakumar told reporters on Tuesday, “Let’s not discuss it now. I will get back to you on the matter.”

Despite opposition from sections of farmers and villagers, a final notification was recently issued for the acquisition of 499 acres across three villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township, one of Shivakumar’s ambitious projects, projected as India’s “first AI-powered integrated township”.

The project is expected to cover a total of 7,481 acres across nine villages in the region, sources said, adding that the notification issued recently is likely the first in a series of land acquisition notifications expected in the coming days.

Rejecting suggestions of challenge or counter challenge on the township issue, Kumaraswamy said. “The farmers have been protesting for over 450 days against the Government’s move to acquire lands for the project against their will. The government claims 80 per cent of people have consented to the land acquisition, but farmers state that 70-80 per cent have not consented, creating significant confusion.” he said.