Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Faces Opposition Over Bidadi Project

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his unwillingness to reverse land acquisition processes for the proposed Bidadi Integrated Township Project amid strong opposition. Speaking to the media on June 20 following a Cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, he asserted, "I can’t denotify the land, and I am not ready to go to jail," referring to a land notification made by former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

The Bidadi township project has become a point of contention between the ruling party and the Opposition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)). These groups have vehemently opposed the acquisition of farmland for the project. Shivakumar highlighted that the acquisition process had been initiated under previous administrations, including about 1,000 acres under the BJP government led by Jagadish Shettar.

He questioned the Opposition's stance, asking, "Who is the Pitamaha of the project?" and pointed out that the land acquisition was simply a continuation of the previous government's decision. The Chief Minister indicated that his administration is not forcing any farmers to sell their land, noting that nearly 80% of landholders are willing to cooperate at a compensation rate of ₹2.5 crore per acre.

In contrast, JD(S) leaders have taken a strong position against the project, recently submitting a memorandum to Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh urging the government to retract its plans for land acquisition. The opposition party maintains that the project threatens the livelihoods of about 750 families, particularly affecting small and marginal landholders.

H.M. Ramesh Gowda, JD(S) Greater Bengaluru president, stated that initial phases of land acquisition involve over 498 acres of fertile agricultural land. He expressed concern that the government plans to acquire anywhere between 7,481 and 9,600 acres in future phases without proper consensus from farmers.

On June 17, BJP leaders visited villages affected by the township project to show solidarity with protesting farmers. They announced that should they regain power in 2028, they intend to abolish the project altogether.

The situation reflects broader tensions in Karnataka politics, where land acquisition for development projects often leads to significant public backlash due to concerns over farmer rights and agricultural livelihoods. The debate over the Bidadi township project continues to evolve as constituencies voice their opinions on land acquisition practices and regional development strategies.