Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said no one could hide the truth about the proposed township project near Bidadi and asserted that the state government would bring all facts related to the project to light.

His remarks came as the JD(S), backed by its alliance partner BJP, began a three-day padayatre against the proposed acquisition of farmers’ land for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project near Bidadi.

Shivakumar said the Opposition had every right to protest but invited its leaders to raise the issue in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly during the upcoming monsoon session, which is scheduled to begin on August 13.

Shivakumar backs right to protest

Reacting to the Opposition’s march, Shivakumar said the government had no objection to political parties conducting protests or padayatras in a democratic system.

“In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest and to do padayatre. Let them do whatever they want; we don’t have any objection to it. No one can hide the truth. We, too, will work to bring the truth to light,” he said while speaking to the media in Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister also said the government was prepared to respond to questions surrounding the township project on the floor of the House.

“Let them come and discuss it in the Assembly. We will reply to them in the Assembly, as well. Let them file a complaint wherever they want. The law will respond appropriately at the right time,” Shivakumar said.

JD(S)-BJP launch three-day padayatre

The Opposition march began from Byramangala near Bidadi on Sunday and is scheduled to culminate at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

JD(S) Youth Wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy is leading the padayatre, which has brought together leaders, workers and supporters of both the JD(S) and BJP.

The march is expected to cover approximately 38 km over three days.

JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy formally flagged off the march at Byramangala in the presence of Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and other leaders.

The two parties are using the march to oppose the proposed acquisition of agricultural land for the GBIT project and highlight concerns raised by farmers in the affected villages.

Farmers oppose land acquisition

Farmers in the Bidadi region have continued to protest against the proposed township, particularly over the acquisition of agricultural land.

The government has issued two sets of final notifications for the acquisition of more than 5,400 acres spread across seven villages for the GBIT project.

The project has been projected as India’s first AI-powered integrated township.

However, reports indicate that the broader Bidadi township proposal could require around 9,600 acres spread across 25 villages.

The scale of the proposed land acquisition has become a major point of contention between the government and farmers, with affected landowners expressing concerns about losing agricultural land.

Earlier notification covered 7,481 acres

The state government had issued a preliminary notification in March last year for the acquisition of 7,481 acres across nine villages in the region.

Further notifications are expected as the government proceeds with the project.

The proposed township has consequently emerged as a major political issue, with the BJP and JD(S) joining hands to oppose the land acquisition and mobilise farmers and their supporters.

The Opposition has been questioning the need for the project and its potential impact on farmers, while the government has maintained that the matter can be discussed through the appropriate legislative process.

Shivakumar links project to 2006 proposal

Shivakumar has repeatedly maintained that the township proposal was not initiated by him or the present Congress government.

According to the Chief Minister, the project is a continuation of a proposal announced by the H D Kumaraswamy-led BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006.

The reference has become an important part of the Congress government’s defence against Opposition criticism.

The BJP and JD(S), however, have continued to oppose the present land acquisition process and have taken up the issue through the joint padayatre.

Shivakumar has now reiterated that the government is willing to discuss the entire matter in the Assembly.

High-level committee reviewing project

Amid growing opposition to the project, the state government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the differing views and feedback surrounding the proposed township.

The committee is headed by retired High Court judge Justice Guhanathan Narendar.

The panel is expected to review the various opinions regarding the project, including concerns raised by farmers and other stakeholders.

The formation of the committee comes against the backdrop of continued protests and political opposition to the proposed land acquisition.

Its review could provide the government with an opportunity to assess the concerns raised by affected landowners and other stakeholders before further decisions are taken.

Project faces political and public scrutiny

The Bidadi township proposal has now become a major political flashpoint in Karnataka, with the BJP and JD(S) jointly campaigning against the project while the Congress government defends its approach.

The Opposition’s three-day padayatre is aimed at drawing greater attention to farmers’ concerns and putting pressure on the government over the proposed acquisition.

The government, meanwhile, has pointed to the project’s earlier origins and the high-level committee constituted to examine the issue.

The upcoming monsoon session of the Karnataka Legislature is likely to provide another platform for both sides to debate the project, the proposed land acquisition and the concerns of farmers.

For now, the state government faces the challenge of balancing its plans for the proposed integrated township with the concerns of landowners and farmers affected by the acquisition.

Shivakumar’s latest remarks indicate that the government is prepared for a detailed discussion in the Assembly and intends to present its position on the project before the House.