Kumaraswamy Pushes for Public Venue in Bidadi Township Dispute

In his June 22 response to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Kumaraswamy argued that moving the venue to Bidadi or Bairamangala is essential for transparency. He contended that the project, which impacts residents across eight villages in Bidadi hobli and one in Harohalli taluk, creates significant uncertainty regarding land ownership and property rights. By hosting the session in a public space, he believes farmers, small traders, and women operating cottage industries can voice their concerns directly rather than relying on a closed-door meeting in the state capital.

This counter-proposal marks the latest escalation in a political standoff that began in May, fueled by allegations that the township development is influenced by a land mafia. While Shivakumar previously invited the Union Minister to bring five representatives to his office on June 26, he has since suggested that the JDS should formally raise the matter during the upcoming Assembly session. Shivakumar stated that the government remains prepared to respond to inquiries through official legislative channels, dismissing the necessity of a public debate after previous attempts to coordinate one failed to materialize.