Why is K'taka Deputy CM Shivakumar Targeting Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy Over Land Acquisition?
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Synopsis
Karnataka's Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar targets H.D. Deve Gowda and H.D. Kumaraswamy for their sudden opposition to the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township project. Amidst accusations of hypocrisy, Shivakumar defends the land acquisition process and challenges their motives, asserting that farmers are in support of the project. Will political rivalries overshadow the development in Karnataka?
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar criticizes opposition from key political figures.
- The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township aims to enhance urban infrastructure.
- Shivakumar emphasizes the legality of the land acquisition process.
- Farmers are reportedly supportive of the project.
- Political rivalries play a significant role in the ongoing discourse.
Ramanagara (Karnataka), Sep 27 (NationPress) - In a recent statement, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strongly criticized former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for their objections to the land acquisition for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) in Ramanagara district.
During a media interaction in Ramanagara, Shivakumar addressed questions regarding the opposition to the GBIT project.
"Why are H.D. Deve Gowda, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and former JD-S MLA A. Manjunath questioning me now about the GBIT in Bidadi, when they had previously endorsed the BJP-led government's decision to transfer 900 acres to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB)? Why did they not voice their concerns back then?" the Deputy Chief Minister challenged.
Responding to Deve Gowda's protest against the GBIT, he remarked, "If Deve Gowda wishes to protest, I welcome it. However, it was his own son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, who initiated the notification for this project. This agreement for the Bidadi Township was signed during their (BJP-JD(S)) regime, and they even collected funds for it."
Shivakumar further questioned, "Why didn’t they (BJP-JD(S) government) denotify the land when they held power? When former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa allocated the land to KIADB, all farmers were compensated. The land now legally belongs to KIADB. Why did they support this process without raising any objections?"
On the demand to revert the land to its original state, the Deputy Chief Minister stated: "I am not inclined to entertain their claims. Our (Congress) government is operating within the legal framework. Even during Yediyurappa's administration, farmers received compensation ranging from Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1 crore per acre. If the land was to remain untouched, why wasn’t that action taken earlier? Wasn’t Manjunath an MLA at that time? Today, farmers are fully supporting this project; there is no opposition from their side."
Regarding the controversies surrounding this issue, Shivakumar commented: "There is a legal process, and we (Congress government) will adhere to it. I've offered the farmers a fair deal. If someone declines the compensation, we will deposit the amount in court as per the earlier notification."
He added, "They could have dealt with this during their own administration. I will not be influenced by brokers or intermediaries. I can distinguish between the genuine farmers and the imposters. Should we not disclose the list of individuals who received compensation when 900 acres were allocated to KIADB?"
When asked about the political motivations of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka and Deve Gowda joining the protests, he said: "Let LoP R. Ashoka and Deve Gowda participate; I am unfazed by their political demonstrations. They are aware of the facts."
Shivakumar concluded: "When LoP Ashoka had the opportunity to act, why didn’t he denotify the land? Why didn’t Yediyurappa take action? Why didn’t Deve Gowda encourage his son (H.D. Kumaraswamy) to rectify the situation? That was their constituency back then. I wasn’t even a Minister at that time. Couldn’t his son have said, 'This is unjust, let’s halt it?'"
"They failed to address it earlier and now they wish to engage in political posturing and blame us. Only the political adversaries of Congress MLA HC Balakrishna are protesting today," he stated.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the complex dynamics at play in this political showdown. The statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reflect a broader dialogue about accountability and governance. While political rivalries often cloud discussions, understanding the facts surrounding the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township acquisition is essential for informed discourse.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT)?
The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) is a planned urban development project aimed at improving infrastructure and housing in the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Who are the key political figures involved in the opposition to GBIT?
The key figures opposing the GBIT include former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
What is the stance of the Karnataka government on the land acquisition?
The Karnataka government, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, supports the land acquisition, asserting that it follows legal protocols and has farmer backing.
How much land was previously allocated for the project?
Previously, 900 acres of land were allocated to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for this project.
What compensation was offered to farmers during the land acquisition?
Farmers received compensation ranging from Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1 crore per acre during the land acquisition process.
