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JDS leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy, on Sunday strongly opposed the government’s Township project, vowing that farmers’ land would not be forcibly acquired. Speaking at a protest in Bidadi, he assured farmers of unwavering support, emphasizing that the party would fight until the project is halted.
Addressing a large gathering, Kumaraswamy warned that if the government did not withdraw the Township initiative, protesters would undertake a march from Bhairamangala village to Vidhana Soudha and even deliver a memorandum at the Chief Minister’s residence. He criticized the administration for reportedly pressuring farmers through officials, stating that over 80% of farmers had refused to surrender their land.
Kumaraswamy accused the Deputy Chief Ministers of underestimating farmers’ strength and highlighted that the government’s actions were intended to benefit real estate interests at the expense of rural communities. He reiterated that JDS would continue to serve as the voice of farmers, ensuring that injustices against them were not tolerated.
During the event, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy addressed the farmers via a virtual meeting, pledging support and promising to personally participate in their struggle. Other JDS leaders, including legislative party leader Suresh Babu, MLCs Sharavan and Javarayigoud, former MLAs A. Manjunath and Annadani, along with district and taluk-level JDS functionaries, participated actively in the protest. The demonstration also raised concerns about social surveys, land rights, and government oversight in 10 villages, questioning whether authorities had adequately assessed the impact of land acquisition on farmers’ families. The protest highlighted the growing tension between rural communities and state authorities over land acquisition and development projects.