BENGALURU: Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said the BJP will not allow the Bidadi Township Project to come up under any circumstances and would raise the issue during the upcoming Assembly session. He also warned that if police harass farmers, party workers would lay siege to police stations.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the homes of farmers in Bidadi, Byramangala and Mandalahalli, where the Bidadi township is planned, Ashoka said the authorities must issue a seven-day notice before taking possession of land. “Instead, police and officials arrived without prior notice and resorted to high-handed action. Police allegedly abused and assaulted women, and then booked the protesting farmers under Section 307 (attempt to murder), portraying them as criminals. These farmers were only fighting to protect their ancestral lands. They did not attempt to kill anyone,” he said.
Ashoka claimed the situation in Byramangala resembled an emergency, said that farmers have been given two months to decide. They are also being lured with offers of higher compensation and illegal commissions. “They are being told they will receive an additional Rs 50lakh or Rs 10lakh as commission if they agree,” he alleged. He warned that if police take action against the farmers, BJP would surround police stations and prevent officers from stepping out.
Slamming Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Ashoka said that instead of answering questions about the Bidadi land acquisition, he had diverted the debate to personal issues involving Union minister HD Kumaraswamy. “Whenever the farmers’ movement gains momentum, the government shifts focus to unrelated personal matters. Cases filed against the farmers must be withdrawn immediately,” he demanded.
He also alleged that fresh land acquisition was under way in Anekal and the government was planning to acquire nearly 20,000 acres around Bengaluru. According to him, with elections approaching in three states, Shivakumar had taken charge of raising election funds and assured the Congress high command that he would manage campaign expenses, which he claimed was the reason behind the urgency in pursuing these projects.
Ashoka said they will stay in these villages and show the state how people here are living, which will send a clear message to both government officials and the people.
BJP MLAs, former legislators and party workers would stage a protest at Freedom Park on Friday in support of the farmers.
Gundu Rao dismisses HDK’s charges
Former minister Dinesh Gundu Rao dismissed Union minister HD Kumaraswamy’s allegations against the government over the proposed Bidadi township, describing them as politically motivated and a reflection of the Opposition’s growing frustration.
Responding to Kumaraswamy’s remarks, Rao told TNIE that the JDS had expected the Congress to descend into internal conflict following the recent change in chief ministership, but had been disappointed by the party’s unity. “They are frustrated. They thought the Congress would divide after the change in CM. Now they are worried because we are all together, we are moving forward and doing good work,” Rao said. “They’re scared, that’s why they’re making all kinds of foolish statements.”
