Senior Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a close associate of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) for their involvement in the Bidadi Township project. Balakrishna accused opposition leaders of engaging in a “penitence march” instead of a genuine protest and questioned the roles of former chief ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and B.S. Yediyurappa in the project’s development.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Balakrishna labeled the BJP’s planned padayatra against the township project as an effort by its leaders to absolve themselves of past decisions. He referred to it as a “prayaschitta yatra” for the alleged wrongdoings of BJP and JD(S) leaders who were part of the project at different stages. Balakrishna specifically mentioned Kumaraswamy’s initiation of the project during his term and raised concerns about the public-private partnership agreement associated with it.
The Magadi MLA insinuated possible corruption by questioning the kickbacks received by Kumaraswamy and the Yediyurappa government in relation to the project. While Balakrishna did not provide evidence to support these claims, he asserted that records of meetings chaired by Kumaraswamy and subsequent decisions by later governments would be presented in the upcoming Assembly session. He emphasized that the project had been advanced by successive governments, making it difficult for opposition parties to distance themselves from it.
Balakrishna also highlighted interactions dating back to 2018, alleging that farmers seeking intervention against the project did not receive support from former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. He mentioned a government notification from May 18, 2021, indicating the suitability of around 9,000 acres near Bengaluru for an integrated township, with specific allocations for industry and residential development. Additionally, Balakrishna criticized BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka for opposing the project for political motives.
