Bengaluru: The political confrontation over Karnataka’s proposed Bidadi Township project intensified on Monday after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accepted Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s invitation for a public discussion on the controversial land acquisition plan. The development comes amid growing opposition from farmers, political parties and even an ally of the ruling Congress government.

Kumaraswamy said he was willing to participate in the debate but requested that it be rescheduled to June 27. He maintained that the issue was not about political rivalry but about protecting the interests of farmers whose lands are proposed to be acquired for the project.

“This is a question of farmers who are losing their land. They have been protesting for more than 450 days. This is an issue concerning the farming community, not any individual,” Kumaraswamy said.

What is the Bidadi Township project?

The proposed Bidadi Township, officially known as the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT), is one of the Karnataka government’s largest planned urban development initiatives.

The project is proposed on more than 7,400 acres of land near Bengaluru and is being projected as a future-ready urban centre. The government has indicated that the township would include advanced infrastructure, residential zones, commercial developments and a major artificial intelligence and technology hub.

Supporters of the project argue that it will help accommodate Bengaluru’s expanding population while attracting investment and generating employment opportunities.

However, the proposal has faced strong resistance from local farming communities.

Farmers continue agitation

Farmers from Bidadi, Byramangala and surrounding villages have been protesting against the land acquisition process for over 450 days.

The protesters claim that the project would result in the loss of fertile agricultural land that currently supports thousands of families through dairy farming, sericulture and horticulture activities.

Farmer groups have repeatedly demanded that the government withdraw the acquisition proceedings and explore alternative locations for the township.

According to opposition leaders, nearly 4,500 farmers have already submitted formal objections to the government regarding the project.

The prolonged agitation has transformed the issue into one of Karnataka’s most significant land acquisition disputes in recent years.

Congress ally joins opposition

The controversy has become more challenging for the Congress government after Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha MLA Darshan Puttannaiah voiced support for the protesting farmers.

Puttannaiah, whose party is considered an ally of the ruling coalition, attended a farmers’ protest meeting in Byramangala and pledged to take their concerns directly to the government.

He announced plans to lead a delegation of farmers to meet Shivakumar and seek the withdrawal of the project.

His opposition has added pressure on the state government, which is already facing criticism from the BJP and JD(S).

Legal challenge being considered

Kumaraswamy indicated that opponents of the project are exploring legal options to halt the acquisition process.

He stated that representations submitted by thousands of farmers are being examined and that the matter could eventually be taken to court.

“Around 4,500 farmers have submitted objections to the government. We are working on it legally. Ultimately, we may have to approach the court,” he said.

A legal battle could further delay the project and increase scrutiny of the government’s acquisition procedures.

BJP backs farmers’ concerns

The BJP has also stepped up its criticism of the township proposal.

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya supported Kumaraswamy’s demand for a public discussion, arguing that the concerns of affected farmers deserved greater attention.

Opposition leaders contend that economic development should not come at the expense of agricultural communities that depend on the land for their livelihoods.

They have called on the government to engage directly with stakeholders before proceeding further.

Government defends development vision

Despite the opposition, the Karnataka government continues to defend the Bidadi Township project as a critical component of the state’s long-term development strategy.

Officials have argued that the integrated township would create substantial economic opportunities, attract investment and strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a global technology hub.

The inclusion of an AI and technology ecosystem is being highlighted as a key feature of the proposed development.

However, the government now faces the challenge of balancing urban expansion goals with concerns raised by local communities.

Conclusion

The Bidadi Township project has emerged as a major political flashpoint in Karnataka, with opposition continuing to grow after more than 450 days of farmer protests. HD Kumaraswamy’s acceptance of DK Shivakumar’s debate challenge, combined with resistance from a Congress ally and the possibility of legal action, has intensified the controversy. As the government pushes ahead with its vision for a modern integrated township, the concerns of thousands of affected farmers remain at the centre of the debate.