Deve Gowda demands halt to Bidadi Township land acquisition

The standoff intensified on July 13 when a survey in Mandalhalli village triggered clashes and damage to government vehicles. Farmers in the Ramanagara district remain deeply apprehensive, fearing the loss of ancestral holdings without adequate consultation. Gowda is now demanding a complete stop to the Joint Measurement Survey and the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against those who oppose the project.

While the JD(S) leadership, including Nikhil Kumaraswamy, labels the current government approach as anti-farmer, the administration maintains a different stance. Shivakumar insists the township is essential for decongesting Bengaluru and stimulating economic growth, promising that the acquisition process will not be forced. Despite these assurances, the project faces mounting opposition from both JD(S) and BJP ranks, with Gowda calling for an immediate all-party meeting to address the grievances before further progress is made.