The political tension between Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project at Bidadi escalated dramatically. Kumaraswamy set aside an empty chair for Shivakumar at a public meeting, inviting him for an open dialogue with affected villagers. This move followed Kumaraswamy’s two letters inviting Shivakumar for a public debate on the project.
In response, Chief Minister Shivakumar invited Kumaraswamy and five representatives to meet at Vidhana Soudha instead of participating in the public debate. When questioned about this, Shivakumar declined to comment in Bengaluru and left the scene. Kumaraswamy, on the other hand, attended a public meeting near Bidadi, with an empty chair bearing Shivakumar’s name next to him.
Kumaraswamy expressed his disappointment, alleging that Shivakumar lacked the moral courage to engage in a public debate. He emphasized the importance of discussing the project before the people who have been protesting for over 460 days. Despite criticisms that the empty chair gesture was a political ploy, Kumaraswamy maintained his stance, stating his readiness to engage in discussions with genuine farmers at any time.
Kumaraswamy continued to challenge Shivakumar, urging him to prioritize the concerns of protesting farmers over personal ego. Meanwhile, Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a close aide of Shivakumar, stated that the Chief Minister would not participate in a public debate. Balakrishna accused Kumaraswamy of attempting to stir unrest and provoke violence in the region, emphasizing that Shivakumar’s stance on the matter remained firm.
