Ramanagara farmers demand halt to Bidadi Integrated Township land acquisition
CH News
Farmers and local residents strongly opposed the Bidadi Integrated Township project and staged a protest near Bhairamangala village on Sunday. The demonstration began with a ritual at the Madduramma temple, where protesters prayed to a coconut tree before voicing their refusal to give land for the township under any circumstances.
Protesters expressed anger against Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, MLA Balakrishna, GBDDA chairman, and other officials who are pushing the land acquisition process. Yashwanth, Secretary of the State Farmers’ Association, criticized the DCM for using offensive language towards farmers and acting against democratic principles. He demanded a public apology from the minister. The farmers rejected claims that 80% of landowners had consented to the project, asserting that the process is unjust and coercive. They accused authorities of forcibly taking land without consulting the owners, and alleged that the government intended to exploit farmer lands. They vowed to escalate the protest both at the state and national level, asserting that they would not give up 5,000 acres of land.
Former Taluk Panchayat member and farmers’ leader Prakash emphasized that only economically strong landowners had consented, while others opposed the acquisition. He announced a four-phase protest, including large awareness meetings in all villages, and said legal action is being prepared, including petitions to the Green Tribunal.
The protest gathered several prominent leaders, including State Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Farmers’ Association Venkatachalaiah, District President Bhairagowda, and representatives from Bhairamangala and Kanchugarahalli farmers’ welfare associations. They joined hands to demand the immediate halt of the land acquisition process.
Local residents and farmers urge authorities to stop land acquisition immediately, emphasizing that irrigation-dependent lands are vital for their peaceful livelihoods and heritage.