Karnataka Bidadi Township Project Sparks Statewide Protests and Political Clash

The Karnataka government’s proposed Greater Bengaluru Bidadi Integrated Township (GBIT) – a 9,600‑acre AI‑powered “work‑live‑play” development near Bengaluru – has become the focus of intense political opposition. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the Janata Dal (Secular) warned he would launch a Satyagraha outside the Vidhana Soudha if the project is not withdrawn, citing the displacement of thousands of small and marginal farmers, loss of dairy livelihoods and severe environmental impact on Byramangala Lake.

The state BJP, led by MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, announced a statewide protest and a day‑long dharna at Freedom Park on July 17, demanding the scrapping of the Bidadi Township and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesting farmers. Opposition youth leader Nikhil Kumar of JD(S) also condemned the government’s use of FIRs to intimidate farmers, calling the project “anti‑farmer”.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the scheme, stating it is not his personal project and pledging to set up an expert panel. He accused political rivals of stoking unrest and reiterated that land acquisition for public purposes has been a norm under previous governments. The controversy unfolds amid a severe drought affecting large parts of Karnataka, adding urgency to farmers’ grievances.