Heated Debate Over Bidadi Township: Land Seizure Controversy

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda accused the Karnataka government of land grab in the controversial Bidadi Township project, aimed at developing a Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburban area worth Rs 18,133 crore.

Targeting Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar without explicitly naming him, Gowda voiced strong opposition to the project's land acquisition affecting farmers across nine villages in the Bengaluru South district and Ramanagara taluk. Gowda announced plans to start a movement against the project, accusing it of prioritizing profit over farmers' livelihoods.

Despite public backlash, including from a section of farmers and local villagers, the project remains a contentious issue. Shivakumar, countering Gowda's claims, dismissed these as envious criticisms while the political dialogue intensifies over this land acquisition and development process.

(With inputs from agencies.)