Bidadi farmers agitation: Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra reaffirms full support
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra has drawn a sharp line: the party's symbolic support for the JD-S padayatra is not the ceiling of its commitment to Bidadi farmers — it is the floor. With the BJP and JD-S coordinating on the ground and Vijayendra publicly targeting CM Shivakumar for a 'dual stand', the Bidadi Township project is fast becoming a flashpoint for Karnataka's opposition bloc.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka BJP President B.Y.
Vijayendra on 11 August rejected any suggestion of confusion over the party's support for Bidadi farmers opposing the proposed township project.
Vijayendra clarified that his conversation with Minister Madhu Bangarappa was direct and transparent, dismissing attempts to misrepresent it.
The BJP's symbolic support to the JD-S-led padayatra does not limit its broader backing of the farmers' struggle, Vijayendra stressed.
The padayatra was postponed following the death of Channamma Deve Gowda , wife of former PM H.D.
Deve Gowda ; JD-S leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy later announced the new date.
Leader of the Opposition R.
Ashoka represented the BJP at the padayatra inauguration after the BJP core committee formally backed the programme.
Vijayendra accused Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar of adopting a contradictory stand on farmers' land in Bidadi.
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday, 11 August firmly rejected any suggestion of internal confusion over his party's backing of farmers opposing the proposed Bidadi Township project, reiterating that the BJP stands unconditionally with the agitating farmers. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra sought to set the record straight after attempts were reportedly made to misrepresent a conversation he had with a state minister.
Vijayendra Clears the Air on Party's Stand
Vijayendra stated that the BJP had announced its support for the Bidadi farmers' agitation well in advance and had also coordinated with the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) to participate in a planned padayatra. He said the date for the march was to be finalised in discussion with JD-S State President and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
'There is no confusion whatsoever regarding the BJP's support to the Bidadi farmers' agitation. The BJP has always stood with farmers,' Vijayendra said, adding that the party had announced the padayatra earlier and was in the process of scheduling it.
On the Conversation with Minister Madhu Bangarappa
Vijayendra directly addressed what he described as a deliberate attempt to distort his recent conversation with Minister Madhu Bangarappa. He maintained that the exchange was straightforward and transparent, and that he had clearly communicated the BJP's position.
'I did not have any inappropriate or indirect conversation with Minister Madhu Bangarappa. I spoke to him directly and clearly. I also told him that the BJP had extended symbolic support to the JD-S' padayatra. I also informed him that some farmers had received compensation and withdrawn from the agitation before our protest,' he said.
Symbolic Support to Padayatra vs Full Support to Farmers
Vijayendra was careful to distinguish between the BJP's symbolic participation in the JD-S-led padayatra and its broader, unconditional commitment to the Bidadi farmers' cause. He stressed that the former should not be read as a dilution of the latter.
The padayatra was initially postponed following the death of Channamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Vijayendra said he personally informed Kumaraswamy that the march could resume after the funeral and related ceremonies. Subsequently, JD-S leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy announced the rescheduled date. The BJP core committee then formally decided to extend symbolic support to the programme, with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka representing the party at the padayatra's inauguration. Vijayendra noted that a prior tour commitment had prevented him from attending personally.
BJP Accuses CM Shivakumar of Dual Stand
Vijayendra trained his criticism on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, accusing him of adopting a contradictory position on the question of farmers' land in Bidadi. He said he stood by his earlier statements on the matter and accused the ruling Indian National Congress (Congress) government of pursuing the Bidadi Township project at the expense of farmers' interests.
'The Chief Minister is adopting a dual stand on the issue of the farmers' land in Bidadi,' Vijayendra said, pledging that the BJP would not waver on protecting farmers' land and rights.
What's Next
With the padayatra date now announced by JD-S and the BJP formally backing the programme, pressure on the Congress government over the Bidadi Township project is set to intensify. The opposition alliance between the BJP and JD-S on this issue signals coordinated political action ahead, even as the Congress government has yet to publicly respond to Vijayendra's latest remarks.
Point of View
Not symbolic support to the cause' — suggests the BJP is navigating a coalition dynamic with JD-S without ceding the moral high ground on agrarian issues. The Bidadi agitation gives the opposition a tangible, land-rights-based narrative to take to rural Karnataka voters, and the BJP-JD-S coordination here is a dry run for broader electoral alignment. Whether the Congress government blinks or doubles down on the township project will determine how far this issue travels beyond the protest ground.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bidadi Township project controversy about?
The Bidadi Township project is a proposed development in Karnataka that requires land acquisition from local farmers. Farmers have been agitating against the project, alleging it threatens their land and livelihoods, and the BJP and JD-S have backed their opposition to the Congress government's plans.
Why did Vijayendra clarify the BJP's position on Bidadi farmers?
Vijayendra said attempts were being made to create a wrong impression about his conversation with Minister Madhu Bangarappa and to suggest confusion within the BJP over its support. He clarified that the party's backing of the farmers is unconditional and not limited to symbolic participation in the JD-S padayatra.
What is the difference between symbolic support to the padayatra and support for the farmers?
Vijayendra explained that the BJP formally extended symbolic support to the JD-S-led padayatra as a party decision, but stressed this should not be read as the party offering only token backing to the Bidadi farmers' broader struggle. He said the BJP's commitment to protecting farmers' land and rights remains absolute.
Why was the Bidadi padayatra postponed?
The padayatra was postponed following the death of Channamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Vijayendra said he personally informed Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy that the march could be held after the funeral and related ceremonies were completed.
What has the BJP said about Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's position on Bidadi?
Vijayendra accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of adopting a contradictory or dual stand on the question of farmers' land in Bidadi. He reiterated that the BJP would not compromise on protecting farmers' land and rights, and accused the Congress government of pursuing the township project at the cost of farmers' interests.
