Union Minister Kumaraswamy Alleges Bidadi Township Project Favors Real Estate Interests

Kumaraswamy condemned the Congress government's decision to issue the final land acquisition notification, despite over 470 days of sustained protests by residents. He announced plans for a legal challenge against the move and pledged support to the affected farmers, stating that suggestions they are not real farmers are an insult to the farming community.

He invited Shivakumar to accompany him to the Bidadi region villages to interact directly with residents whose lands have been notified for acquisition, asserting that the truth should be determined by those whose livelihoods are at stake. Kumaraswamy alleged that the land earmarked for acquisition comprises fertile agricultural holdings and questioned why the government was seeking such land when alternative non-agricultural parcels were available.

Claiming that 80-90% of local farmers oppose the project, Kumaraswamy alleged that only a small group of vested interests stand to benefit. He recalled proposing five townships in 2006, including one at Bidadi, but dropping the plan due to farmer opposition. He accused the current government of reviving the project for private interests rather than public welfare.

Kumaraswamy also criticized reported remarks by Home Minister Priyank Kharge that the project would proceed irrespective of opposition, suggesting aggrieved parties could seek legal remedies.