Deve Gowda Urges DK Shivakumar to Scrap Bidadi Township Project
Indiadailyupdate.com – Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has taken a firm stance against the Bidadi township development initiative, publicly calling on Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to cancel the project. His intervention comes amid escalating tensions between farmers in Mandalahalli village and government officials, as the recent land survey sparked a violent clash with police. Gowda, a prominent leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), has criticized the state government for its lack of responsiveness to his concerns, particularly highlighting the failure to address the agricultural community’s opposition.
Political Stand and Farmer Concerns
During a press conference at the JD(S) headquarters in Bengaluru, Gowda emphasized that the Bidadi township project is located in his constituency, where he has represented the people in three consecutive assembly elections. He stressed that the surrounding villages are crucial to the region’s agricultural economy, with many households relying on crops like arecanut and coconut for their livelihoods. “This project threatens the daily lives of thousands of small landowners,” he said, noting that the proposed land acquisition could disrupt farming activities and displace local families.
“The Chief Minister could have at least acknowledged my letter. He is also the son of a farmer, and I believe he will listen to the concerns of farmers,” Deve Gowda stated.
Gowda further pointed out that the government’s silence on his June 25 letter, which demanded an immediate halt to the project, has fueled distrust among the public. He questioned the necessity of acquiring an additional 500 acres near Bidadi, especially when nearly 40,000 residential plots are already vacant in the area. “Why is there such urgency to proceed with this project when the land is already underutilized?” he asked, underscoring the inconsistency in the government’s approach.
Government’s Prioritization and Allegations
While Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was engaged in West Bengal and JD(S) youth leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Hyderabad-Karnataka, Gowda took the lead in opposing the Bidadi township plan. He accused the state government of prioritizing the project for political gains, stating that Chief Minister Shivakumar has been acting swiftly to secure support from his allies. “I know CM is doing this on priority on behalf of the Congress high command,” he added, suggesting that the project is tied to the interests of the ruling party.
“Siddaramaiah did not send officials to conduct surveys in Bidadi. But within a month of becoming Chief Minister, why is Shivakumar in such a hurry? I know why you have a special interest in this project. You have made certain promises to your high command, and whoever develops this layout stands to gain ₹8,000 crore,” he alleged.
Deve Gowda also criticized the revenue officials involved in the land survey, claiming they instigated the conflict with farmers. He called for the withdrawal of all legal cases against the protesting villagers, emphasizing the need for dialogue before any irreversible decisions are made. Additionally, he drew attention to the government’s failure to address the challenges posed by erratic monsoon patterns, which have left many farmers struggling with crop losses and financial instability.
Broader Implications and Public Response
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