Janata Dal (Secular) rallies thousands of farmers in Bidadi against GBIT project land acquisition.
The Janata Dal (Secular) has intensified its opposition to the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project in Bidadi, accusing the state government of forcibly acquiring land without consulting local farmers. JDS youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy announced that a massive protest would be held in Byramangala village, Ramanagara, on Sunday under the banner “Save Bidadi, Stop GBIT.”
Thousands of farmers are expected to join the rally. JDS supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will extend their support virtually. “The government is acquiring land without taking farmers into confidence. We strongly condemn this attitude,” Nikhil said at a press conference.
The GBIT project proposes an “AI City” across 9,000 acres, of which 2,000 acres are earmarked for industries, IT startups, healthcare, education, and cultural facilities. Land acquisition has already begun in 10 villages, including Byramangala, Bannigere, Hosur, and Harohalli. Officials have identified 8,493 acres for the project, of which 6,731 acres are privately owned.
Nikhil alleged that no environmental or social impact study has been conducted and farmers were not consulted. He warned that 80% of local farmers oppose the acquisition and demanded its immediate halt. He also questioned whether government or farmers’ land would be mortgaged to secure external loans worth ₹17,500 crore.
Drawing parallels with land disputes in Devanahalli, he said farmers were mobilizing to protect their rights in Bidadi as well. The government estimates the project cost at ₹20,000 crore.
Farmers have called for an end to police harassment and pressure tactics, insisting that development must proceed only with their consent.
