Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 5 : Escalating the political confrontation over regional infrastructure plans in Karnataka, Janata Dal (Secular) State Youth President Nikhil Kumaraswamy strongly criticised the ruling administration for pursuing real estate initiatives that threaten local agricultural lands.
JD(S) Youth President announced a massive protest mobilisation to counter the state government's land acquisition policies.
Nikhil Kumaraswamy, in a post on X, addressed the land acquisition moves intended for high-tech corridor developments on "the green land of Bidadi."
He wrote, "The state Congress government is out to snatch the green land of Bidadi, which provides lakhs of litres of milk, silk and vegetables to Bengaluru, on the pretext of building 'GBIT' and 'AI City'."
Continuing his tirade against the multi-crore venture, he added, "This real estate scam that is going to snatch 7,480 acres of agricultural land from poor farmers, sell it to builders and loot more than ₹33,000 crore is not development; it is pure injustice!"
Rejecting the financial packages offered by the administration as an inadequate remedy for uprooting generational farming households, the opposition leader emphasised the deep emotional and economic connection people have with their soil.
Highlighting the scale of destruction and the response of cultivators, Nikhil Kumar noted, "Notices have been issued to cut 10 lakh green trees and destroy 6 lakh litres of milk production. More than 80% of small farmers are being snatched away and pushed onto the streets. The Congress leaders in power say 'we will give financial compensation'. But for us, land is not just property, it is our breath, our life, our parents!"
Reiterating his long-standing commitment to back the farming community's resistance against administrative coercion, the opposition figure urged citizens across the region to unite against the township initiative.
"I have stood by our breadwinners who have been fighting for 500+ days since day one. I am calling for a massive march to put an end to the arrogant words of this government."
Detailing the schedule for the upcoming protest march, Nikhil Kumaraswamy announced, "August 9, 10 and 11, 2026. From Bhairamangala to Freedom Park in Bengaluru My dear farmers, mothers, youth, come, let's step together, let's save our green soil! Stop GBIT! Save Bidadi!"
Earlier in July, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the Bidadi township project was not his "dream project" amid a political row over the proposed project.
Reacting to the criticism over the Bidadi township issue, Shivakumar said he was hurt by the developments that took place in Bidadi and alleged that politics was being used to create problems for farmers.
"Whatever happened in Bidadi yesterday hurt me. What happened because of politics? It is a big conspiracy happening to destroy the livelihood of farmers. This project is not my dream project," Shivakumar said.
The CM said he had never claimed ownership of the project and was only carrying forward decisions taken earlier by HD Kumaraswamy when he was Chief Minister.