Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday, 23 June accused Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy of resorting to political point-scoring rather than offering constructive input on the proposed Bidadi Township Project near Bengaluru. Parameshwara made the remarks while speaking to reporters near the residence of senior Congress leader and former minister H.K. Patil.

Government's Stand on Farmer Displacement

Parameshwara was categorical that the state government had no intention of forcibly displacing farmers. He said the administration was actively listening to grievances, building confidence among farming communities, and would move forward only through dialogue and consensus.

'We want to take farmers into confidence and proceed only with their consent. Some farmers have told us that they own dry land and are willing to part with it if they receive adequate compensation. If reasonable compensation is provided, they can purchase land elsewhere and continue farming. This is the approach we are adopting,' he said.

He added that the Bidadi Township Project had already been discussed at the state Cabinet level, including funding arrangements through agencies such as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).

CM Shivakumar's Invitation to Kumaraswamy

Parameshwara referred to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's formal invitation to Kumaraswamy for a structured discussion on the project. Chief Minister Shivakumar had written to the Union Minister, inviting him to Vidhana Soudha on 26 June at 11 am for talks with ministers and officials, and had also offered Kumaraswamy the option of bringing along any experts or representatives of his choice.

Kumaraswamy, however, reportedly countered by proposing that the discussion be held in Bidadi itself, with the participation of farmers and other stakeholders, and requested the meeting be rescheduled to 27 June citing prior commitments. 'We have to wait and see what decision the Chief Minister takes regarding the request,' Parameshwara said.

Parameshwara's Criticism of Kumaraswamy

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern that the Bidadi project was increasingly taking on a political character. He said Kumaraswamy was selectively highlighting old statements made by Congress leaders in an attempt to politicise the matter rather than engage substantively.

'The government will collectively decide how best to implement the project while keeping it away from politics. Instead, he should offer constructive suggestions. We are ready to address his concerns and explain the rationale behind the project,' Parameshwara said. He cautioned that the situation would become difficult if political considerations were allowed to dominate.

The H.K. Patil Visit

Parameshwara clarified that his visit to H.K. Patil's residence was a courtesy call, saying he had not been keeping well for the past 10 days and that Patil had expressed a wish to meet. The two leaders share a political association spanning several decades. 'We had a cordial discussion. We spoke about strengthening the organisation in the future and about measures required to ensure that the government functions effectively in the public interest,' he said. When asked whether the meeting represented a gathering of like-minded leaders, Parameshwara described it simply as a meeting between long-time friends and colleagues.

On BJP's Dharmasthala Oath Row

Responding to a separate question about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders reportedly discussing the possibility of taking an oath at Dharmasthala over the recent cross-voting controversy in the Legislative Council elections, Parameshwara was brief: 'Let us leave that matter to Lord Manjunatha.'

With the proposed meeting between state and central officials now hinging on a venue-and-date dispute, the Bidadi Township Project looks set to remain a flashpoint between the Karnataka government and the Union Minister through the coming week.