Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar engaged in a dispute regarding the Bidadi Township project. Shivakumar accused Kumaraswamy of being the project’s “architect” and criticized his changing stance, while Kumaraswamy defended his opposition, emphasizing the preservation of agricultural land and questioning compensation benefits for farmers.
Shivakumar, addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, expressed concerns that farmers in Bidadi were being misled and highlighted Kumaraswamy’s previous support for the township proposal. He noted the increase in farmers’ compensation share from 40% to 50% under the current government.
The Chief Minister clarified that the project was initiated during Kumaraswamy’s tenure and continued by former Chief Minister Yediyurappa, emphasizing that they were not introducing any new initiatives. He questioned Kumaraswamy’s past decisions, asking why he had initially supported the project if he now opposed it.
Kumaraswamy, in response, defended his stance, stating that the Bidadi Township issue had been extensively debated during his Chief Minister term. He reiterated his commitment to not acquiring fertile agricultural land for the project and announced plans for a detailed press conference to present documents supporting his position.
