Karnataka opposition intensifies over Bidadi township land acquisition

State BJP leaders, led by Assembly Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, announced plans to protest the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project near Bidadi, calling it "anti‑farmer" and infeasible. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar countered that the land‑acquisition notification, covering nearly 500 acres, was initiated by earlier governments, including those led by the BJP and JD(S), and warned that farmers were being misled.

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy wrote again to Shivakumar, urging a joint visit to the affected village of Bairamangala on June 27 to hear residents’ concerns. Kumaraswamy highlighted that the project, estimated at ₹18,000‑20,000 crore, aims to create a satellite "work‑live‑play" township 30‑40 km from Bengaluru, with residential, commercial, industrial, educational and healthcare facilities. He criticized the lack of response from the state government and reiterated support for farmers opposing the land acquisition, while the BJP also pledged backing for the protests.