Mysuru: Well-known writer Devanura Mahadeva on Friday called on Generation Z to lead the opposition to the proposed Bidadi township project, saying the younger generation should now take forward the struggle.

Addressing reporters at Mysuru’s Jaladarshini guesthouse, Mahadeva said Gen Z was increasingly active and that those involved in the agitation would follow their lead.

Mahadeva questions loss of farmland

Mahadeva said opposition to the proposed township remained strong, despite differing claims over farmers’ willingness to part with their land.

While the government had claimed that 80 per cent of people were willing to give up their land, protesting farmers maintained that 80 per cent of agriculturists would not surrender theirs.

He questioned what would happen if farmers lost the will to preserve agricultural land.

“If all farmers surrender their land, who will continue farming? Will government provide jobs for everyone? Will it secure people’s livelihood? Will it prevent migration?” he asked.

Leaders held responsible

Mahadeva said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Opposition Leader R Ashok would be equally responsible if the Bidadi township project was implemented.

He described the situation as a tragedy for Karnataka and India and criticised what he termed the insincere response of leaders behind the agitation.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha state president Badagalapura Nagendra said a report prepared by a four-member committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge had already been submitted.

According to Nagendra, the report found the project lacked legal validity, failed to adequately consider its social impact and environmental concerns, and was unfit for implementation. He urged the government to drop the project.

Foot march planned against township

A foot march has been planned from Bhairamangala to Freedom Fighters’ Park in Bengaluru against the proposed township.

Activist SR Hiremath, founder of Samaja Parivartana Samudaya, also opposed the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, saying land that produces food should be protected.

He alleged that the Congress government was violating the land acquisition law introduced by the previous UPA government.