Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarified that the Bidadi Township was not his personal vision but a continuation of a 2006 coalition initiative. He pledged voluntary land acquisition and compensation only for willing farmers, rejecting forced procurement.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • The Bidadi Township proposal originates from the 2006 H.D. Kumaraswamy coalition government.
  • The current Congress administration intends to develop it under a fully government‑run model, not private PPP.
  • Compensation will be paid only to farmers who voluntarily surrender land; forced acquisition is ruled out.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka addressed the media on Wednesday, emphasizing that the Bidadi Township project is "not my dream project." He traced the initiative back to a meeting chaired by former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on September 23, 2006, when the government approved five integrated townships around Bengaluru.

Historical Background and Initial Policy

Shivakumar explained that the 2006 coalition government had opted for a public‑private partnership (PPP) model, inviting global tenders for the township’s development. By 2007, additional villages such as Marandahalli and Odeyarahalli were incorporated into the proposed boundaries. A Gazette notification dated November 20, 2006, declared the area a “Red Zone,” restricting any construction without prior approval from the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).

Current Government’s Stance

The chief minister asserted that the present Congress‑led administration will execute the project directly, without private developers. Land acquisition will be purely voluntary; compensation will be offered only to farmers who consent to sell. Those unwilling to part with their land will retain the right to continue farming.

Political Controversy and Social Unrest

Shivakumar accused the previous administration of stoking farmer agitation, pointing to the violence that erupted during a land survey in Bidadi on Monday. He claimed political instigation misled farmers and that officials were targeted because of such provocations. Positioning himself as a “son of a farmer,” he underscored his empathy for agricultural hardships and promised no policy that harms cultivators.

Future Outlook

He noted that the B.S. Yediyurappa government in 2010 revived the proposal, again seeking global tenders under the PPP framework. However, the current administration aims to complete the township transparently, respecting farmers’ rights and avoiding forced acquisition. Shivakumar concluded by urging dissenting groups to maintain peace and cooperate for the region’s development.