[REVISION HISTORY]

Karnataka farmer protests Bidadi AI city

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2026-08-09 02:45 UTC → 2026-08-09 13:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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