Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday accused the State government of attempting to take over fertile agricultural land in the name of developing the proposed Bidadi township project. “Farmers need not fear. Do not give even an inch of land. I am with you,” he said.
Extending support to farmers who have been protesting the proposed project for the past two months, Mr. Kumaraswamy alleged that the Congress government was siding with real-estate lobbies instead of addressing farmers’ concerns.
Speaking to reporters in Mandya, the Union Minister said the government should not justify the project by citing decisions taken during his tenure as Chief Minister. “The land prices during my term were very different from today. Now, the land in Bidadi is extremely valuable. Despite strong resistance, the State is planning to acquire around 9,000 acres. I am with the farmers,” he said.
Questioning why only fertile lands are being targeted, he remarked, “There is plenty of dry land available in Kanakapura, and even officials have acknowledged this. Why not build the township there? The intention here is not the welfare of Bidadi’s people, but someone’s personal benefit.”
He said farmers should not succumb to any pressure or intimidation and assured them of his support.
Referring to the ongoing agitation of sugarcane growers seeking fair price fixation, Mr. Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of being “anti-farmer”. He also asked why the Chief Minister did not meet the protesting farmers despite being in the same region for official engagements.
Published – November 06, 2025 07:30 pm IST
