# Karnataka farmer protests Bidadi AI city

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-farmer-protests-bidadi-ai-city
> Updated: 2026-08-08T04:58:01.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

In mid‑July 2026, farmers in Karnataka physically blocked a survey related to the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) near Bidadi, the site earmarked for India's first AI‑powered city. The protest highlighted local opposition to the acquisition of nearly 500 acres of agricultural land within a larger 9,600‑acre development zone.

By early August, the dispute had escalated into a political confrontation. Senior leaders of the state BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) met to publicly oppose the GBIT proposal ahead of the State Assembly session. The state BJP president reported that about 80% of the farmers were against the scheme and alleged intimidation, while the Chief Minister defended the project, citing its origin with Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and continuation by senior state ministers. 

Opposition leaders from the BJP and JD(S) have since formed an alliance to protest the GBIT project, specifically raising concerns regarding the acquisition of fertile agricultural land. This political row has also become linked to tensions surrounding the NICE Road (BMIC) project.

In response to the intensifying controversy and allegations that farmers were being threatened to surrender property, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar formed a committee led by retired Judge Guhanathan Narendar. This committee is tasked with investigating the project and attempting to gain the confidence of affected villagers.

## Claims

- The Karnataka government has two weeks to stop toll collection on NICE Road or the JD(S) will launch an agitation. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Motorists should stop paying the toll on NICE Road. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The BMIC project appears to be one of the biggest scams in the state. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- BJP and JD(S) leaders are holding a joint march against the GBIT land acquisition. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The GBIT project covers approximately 9,600 acres. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The government will provide farmer compensation exceeding Rs 3 crore per acre for the Bidadi project. (single source)
- The Bidadi Township project is being developed as a futuristic AI City. (single source)
- Land acquisition for the Bidadi project is intended to be voluntary. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Karnataka political row erupts over Bidadi township and NICE Road toll

Karnataka opposition parties BJP and JD(S) are protesting the GBIT Bidadi land acquisition, while JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has called for a halt to NICE Road toll collection citing alleged scams.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-leaders-oppose-bidadi-township-project-amid-farmer-protests

### 2026-07-14: Karnataka Farmers Block Survey of India's First AI City Project in Bidadi

Women farmers in Bidadi, Karnataka, used brooms to drive away officials conducting a land survey for the Rs 18,133 crore AI‑city project, leading to injuries, an FIR and criticism from Union Minister H D Kumar

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-farmers-block-survey-of-indias-first-ai-city-project-in-bidadi

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Cite as: Karnataka farmer protests Bidadi AI city. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-farmer-protests-bidadi-ai-city