Bidadi township dispute intensifies between Karnataka chief minister and central minister

Central minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said he will attend a public meeting on June 27 in Bidadi or nearby Bhairamangala village to discuss the controversial Bidadi township project, stating he will not hold the debate in the state legislature. He noted that farmers, workers and small‑business owners affected by the scheme face multiple problems, including environmental damage, and stressed that the meeting should include those directly impacted.

Kumaraswamy also pledged to release documents responding to Karnataka chief minister D.K. Shivakumar’s challenges, asserting that the government has not been transparent about land acquisition and that checks are being distributed through local legislators rather than directly to beneficiaries. Shivakumar countered that the project was approved during previous administrations and that the current plan merely continues earlier work, while also mentioning a revision in the share of developed land promised to farmers.

Both ministers framed the dispute as a contest over the implementation and oversight of the township plan, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties and local stakeholders.