'Under pretext of township, fertile lands are looted': H D Kumaraswamy opposes Bidadi township project

New Delhi: Slamming Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar about the proposed Bidadi Township project, Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday said that not even an inch of farmers’ land would be allowed to be taken for the proposed township.

Addressing a massive protest rally organised by farmers of Bidadi via video conference from New Delhi, Kumaraswamy said that the Deputy CM is spreading false news saying the township was proposed by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda.

“It is deeply disturbing that the very person who has repeatedly exploited the land of the poor and farmers is now making frivolous remarks about me.

"As a farmer myself, I have built my life in Bidadi. Unlike him, I have not built schools, colleges, or high-rise complexes on land taken away from the poor, " Kumaraswamy said.

The J D ( S) leader also alleged that Shivakumar had encroached upon land acquired around Hosakerehalli for the NICE Road project, as well as large tracts of land taken during S M Krishna’s tenure as Chief Minister under the Bangalore–Mysore Expressway plan.

“It has been more than 20 years, yet no road was built. That land is now being misused. By contrast, when I was Chief Minister, the Bangalore–Mysore highway was completed swiftly, and compensation was promptly given to farmers who lost land,” he said.

" Farmers must not fear. Under the pretext of a township, fertile lands are being looted. This will not be permitted,” Kumaraswamy said adding that he would extend full support to the farmers’ agitation.

“I stand with your struggle. I will personally come and join the protests. For the sake of farmers, I am willing to put aside concerns for my health. Let us see who dares to forcibly acquire land, " he said.

Accusing the government of deliberately inflating land records, he said the government claimed 3,000–4,000 acres out of 9,000 acres are government-owned. But when in reality, only 700 acres belong to the government. These false figures are being used to justify the township and loot farmers’ land, " he said.

Waring government officers, particularly police, who have been pressuring farmers, Kumaraswamy said. " You are making a mistake, and you will face the consequences. For your actions, you may even face imprisonment. This government has only two years left. I know what will happen after that. Do not harass farmers simply because someone has ordered you to.”