The Janata Dal (Secular) has intensified its opposition to the Bidadi township project, a large-scale development spanning 7,481 acres across nine villages in the Bengaluru region. Farmers from the affected areas joined a march led by the party on Saturday, demanding the cancellation of the project.
Project details and farmer concerns
The Bidadi township project, proposed by the Karnataka government, aims to create a satellite town with residential, commercial, and industrial zones. However, farmers argue that the acquisition of fertile agricultural land will disrupt their livelihoods and the local ecosystem. According to JD(S) leaders, the project lacks transparency and adequate compensation for landowners.
“The government has not held proper consultations with the affected families. Farmers are being forced to give up their land without fair rehabilitation,” said a JD(S) spokesperson during the march.
Political opposition and next steps
The JD(S) has called for a complete review of the project, urging the government to explore alternative sites that do not involve prime agricultural land. The party plans to submit a memorandum to the chief minister and stage further protests if demands are not met.
The march, which drew hundreds of participants, ended with a rally in Bidadi town. Farmers voiced fears that the project would lead to water scarcity and environmental degradation in the region.
