Bengaluru(Karnataka) [India], June 17 : Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) at Bidadi, while asserting that he stands firmly with protesting farmers.
Reacting to posters targeting him and his family members in the Bidadi region, Kumaraswamy alleged a pattern of political targeting and accused Shivakumar of using unethical methods.
"That is the habit of DK Shivakumar. His life started by showing unethical videos... He continued that original character by putting up the posters," Kumaraswamy told ANI.
Reiterating his support for the farmers' agitation against the land acquisition, the JD(S) leader said the protest was aimed at protecting agricultural livelihoods.
"I am with farmers. Our party raised this issue to save the farming community. We came from a farming family... We are opposing whatever Shivakumar wanted to grab the land. For that purpose, he wanted to develop that area. For that, we are opposing it," he added.
His remarks come amid intensified protests in the Byramangala-Bidadi region against the proposed acquisition of nearly 500 acres for the township project. Farmers have been agitating for over 470 days, claiming the project threatens their ancestral land and livelihood.
The protest movement has gained political momentum, with multiple leaders from opposition parties backing the farmers' stand. Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka recently said the BJP stands with farmers and warned that the project may face political uncertainty depending on future governments.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar earlier in the day asserted that he will "reply" to the BJP, accusing them of attempting to "stop development" in the state.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that he will expose the intentions behind the opposition's criticism."I will reply to them. I will reply and inform even their high command also. What is going on? I will just let you know. What they are trying to do. How they are trying to stop the development of the state," CM Shivakumar said.
The row erupted in May after Shivakumar accepted a challenge from Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy for a public debate regarding the Bidadi township project. The Janata Dal (Secular) party opposed the development, alleging it is driven by a land mafia operating under political patronage.
In response, Shivakumar defended the project by stating that the initial notification was issued during Kumaraswamy's own tenure as Chief Minister and noted that the courts refused to halt the development.