Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday urged Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to drop the Bidadi township project, accusing the ruling Congress government of arrogance in its implementation. Kumaraswamy's remarks came amid escalating political tensions over the project, which involves the development of a large residential and commercial township on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Kumaraswamy criticizes display of cheques
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy specifically targeted the recent practice of distributing cheques to beneficiaries of the project, calling it a 'show of arrogance.' He said, 'Displaying cheques is a show of arrogance. If you do not correct your mistakes, people will teach you a lesson.' The JD(S) leader warned that the government's approach would lead to public backlash if not rectified.
Kumaraswamy's comments follow a series of events where the state government, led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, has been aggressively promoting the Bidadi township project. The project, which aims to decongest Bengaluru by creating a satellite town, has been a contentious issue, with opposition parties and local residents raising concerns about land acquisition, environmental impact, and transparency.
Project details and political context
The Bidadi township project, initially conceived during the previous Congress government, has seen renewed momentum under Shivakumar's leadership. The project involves the development of 4,000 acres of land for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. The government has been distributing compensation cheques to landowners, a move that Kumaraswamy described as a publicity stunt.
Kumaraswamy's criticism comes at a time when the Congress government is facing multiple challenges, including a slowing economy and allegations of corruption. The JD(S) leader has been a vocal critic of the Shivakumar administration, frequently accusing it of mismanagement and arrogance. He urged the chief minister to reconsider the project and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders.
Impact on local communities
Local residents and environmental activists have also raised objections to the Bidadi township project, citing loss of agricultural land and potential ecological damage. The project is expected to displace thousands of families, and compensation has been a major point of contention. Kumaraswamy's intervention is likely to intensify the debate, with the opposition demanding a full review of the project's viability and social impact.
According to sources, the state government has so far distributed over ₹500 crore in compensation to landowners, but many have complained of inadequate payment and lack of transparency. Kumaraswamy's statement is expected to embolden critics, who are planning to hold protests in the coming weeks.
Political fallout
The Bidadi township project has become a political flashpoint, with the Congress and JD(S) trading barbs. Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, has defended the project as a key initiative for Bengaluru's development. He has accused Kumaraswamy of opposing progress for political gain. However, Kumaraswamy's warning that 'people will teach you a lesson' underscores the high stakes involved, as both parties prepare for the 2028 assembly elections.
Political analysts suggest that Kumaraswamy's attack is part of a broader strategy to position the JD(S) as the champion of farmers and the common man. The party has traditionally drawn support from rural and agrarian communities, and the Bidadi project, which involves large-scale land acquisition, is a sensitive issue for its voter base.
