Intro: JDS leaders said the proposed township project would harm farmers and reduce valuable agricultural land

Kalaburagi

Janata Dal (Secular) leaders and workers staged a protest in front of the District Collector’s Office in Kalaburagi on Friday against the proposed Bidadi Township Project. The protesters demanded that the Karnataka government immediately withdraw the project, claiming it would negatively affect farmers and their livelihoods.

The demonstration was led by JDS leader Balraj Guttedar, who accused the state government of trying to acquire fertile agricultural land without the consent of farmers. He said hundreds of farming families depend on this land for their income and survival and warned that losing such land would create serious difficulties for them.

Addressing the gathering, Guttedar stated that development projects should not come at the cost of agriculture. He said farmers are already facing several challenges, including rising costs and uncertain returns, and taking away productive farmland would only worsen their situation.

During the protest, JDS workers raised slogans against the government’s land acquisition policies. They expressed concern that the township project could displace many farmers and reduce the availability of cultivable land in the region. The protesters urged the government to explore alternative locations that would not affect agricultural activities.

Party leaders also alleged that the proposed township would lead to the loss of valuable farmland while benefiting real estate and urban expansion projects. They called on the government to protect the interests of farmers and ensure that agricultural land is preserved for future generations.

After the protest, JDS leaders submitted a memorandum through the district administration, demanding withdrawal of the Bidadi Township Project and protection of farmers’ land rights. The demonstration ended peacefully, with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding agricultural land and farmers’ interests.