Mandya (Karnataka), Nov 6 (NationPress) Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has fiercely criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of trying to exploit the fertile lands of farmers under the pretense of the proposed Bidadi Township Project located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Speaking to the press after the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Mandya, Kumaraswamy urged farmers, stating, “No land should be surrendered. Farmers should remain fearless — I stand with you.”

Kumaraswamy highlighted that farmers have been protesting against the Bidadi Township Project for over two months. “Instead of addressing their concerns, this government is catering to real estate interests,” he claimed.

He refuted assertions that the township project originated from him. “Do not use my name as a cover. The decisions made during my time as Chief Minister were different, and the current land prices are exorbitant. The government aims to acquire 9,000 acres of fertile land for this township — farmers are opposed, and I wholeheartedly support them,” he asserted.

Kumaraswamy pointed out that the proposed project site includes land near Eagleton Golf Club, which had encroached on government (karab) land. “In 2018, during my administration, a fine was imposed on Eagleton for encroachment,” he stated.

“During that time, current Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited the club, and they presented him with a bill for Rs 98,000. Angered, Shivakumar ensured the cabinet imposed a fine of Rs 984 crore for 70 acres — that’s Rs 13 crore per acre,” Kumaraswamy revealed.

“Now, those same leaders who set that rate should compensate farmers three times that amount,” he insisted.

Addressing the Deputy Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy remarked, “When you established a dairy in Kanakapura, how much did you compensate those farmers? Even your officials acknowledge that there is ample dry, barren land in that area. Why not put the township there?”

He continued, “There’s sufficient dry land throughout the state. Why target Bidadi’s fertile, irrigated soil? Your intentions are not to improve the lives of Bidadi residents — it’s to benefit yourselves through this project. You lack the funds to provide adequate compensation for acquired land. Build the township in arid areas if necessary — no one will oppose it! But do not displace farmers from lands ideal for cultivation.”

Reiterating his support, he assured, “Farmers must not cave in to pressure or fear. I stand firmly with them.”

Kumaraswamy expressed concern over the ongoing protests by sugarcane farmers seeking fair prices, reminiscing about his previous tenure as Chief Minister. “Back then, farmers struggled to sell their sugarcane. I personally visited villages and witnessed cane drying in the fields. My government waived Rs 25,000 crore in farm loans, provided Rs 25,000 per farmer for unsold sugarcane, and allocated a total of Rs 250 crore to sugarcane growers. I even invited farmers to Vidhana Soudha for discussions,” he stated.

“Despite not having a full majority, I worked diligently to defend farmers’ interests. This government, with 136 seats, considers itself strong — yet look at their current actions. They’ve allowed farmers to sleep on the streets for a week,” Kumaraswamy commented.

“If they genuinely cared for farmers, would they allow this? Just yesterday, the Chief Minister was in the same area — but he didn’t visit the protest site. He attended MLA Meti’s funeral, which was close by — could he not have met the protesting farmers?” he challenged.

“They claim they’ll hold a large rally in the name of Ahinda — for what reason?” he questioned sarcastically.

“When farmers request price fixation, they respond, ‘That’s the Centre’s job.’ Did I seek funds from the Central Government when I waived loans? They politicize everything and blame us,” he claimed.

“Though I may not have visited the protest site, it doesn’t mean we are against farmers. We are closely monitoring the government’s actions and will determine our next steps accordingly. The Congress-led government is playing with the lives of farmers,” the Union Minister asserted.