Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 17 (ANI): The political standoff surrounding the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) in Bidadi has intensified, with JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy launching a stinging attack on ruling Congress MLAs.
In a post on X, Kumaraswamy on Wednesday accused legislators of being disconnected from the ground reality, suggesting they are enjoying leisure while thousands of farmers remain locked in an indefinite struggle against what he termed a “real estate land grab” worth Rs 33,562 crore.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks follow a 470-day protest by farmers who argue that the project, a massive integrated township spanning thousands of acres in the fertile Bidadi region, will destroy their livelihoods and the local ecology.
Directing his ire at the Congress leadership, Kumaraswamy urged MLAs currently at the Wonderla resort to visit the nearby Bannagiri viewpoint. He further challenged the party’s national leadership, specifically asking if Rahul Gandhi’s public sermons on environmental conservation, often framed as “Green over Greed,” apply to Karnataka, or if they are ignored when it comes to state-led industrial projects.
“Dear Karnataka Congress MLAs holidaying at Wonderla, step out of your luxury bubble and stand at the Bannagiri viewpoint nearby. Look at the breathtaking green paradise of Bidadi that sustains thousands of poor farming families. For 470+ days, these poor farmers have been begging for a single meeting, but the Karnataka CM has completely shut them out, all to force a ₹33,562 Cr real estate land grab disguised as an integrated township project. Go do his job for him. Go see the lush green one last time. Does Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Green over Greed’ sermon only apply outside Karnataka?” said Nikhil Kumaraswamy on X.
Amid the row over the Bidadi township project, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday asserted that he will “reply” to the BJP, accusing them of attempting to “stop development” in the state.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that he will expose the intentions behind the opposition’s criticism.
“I will reply to them. I will reply and inform even their high command also. What is going on? I will just let you know. What they are trying to do. How they are trying to stop the development of the state,” CM Shivakumar said.
Meanwhile, BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra said that they will be visiting the farmers in the Bidadi area, claiming that they are in distress due to “forceful land acquisition for townships”.
“The state government, as well as the chief minister, is well aware of the fact that more than 90% of the farmers are against this project… BJP has taken up this matter very seriously. We are visiting the farmers today,” he said.
The row erupted in May after Shivakumar accepted a challenge from Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy for a public debate regarding the Bidadi township project. The Janata Dal (Secular) party opposed the development, alleging it is driven by a land mafia operating under political patronage. (ANI)
Related reading
