Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda alleged that the Congress government is using the AI‑driven Integrated Township at Bidadi as a pre‑election fundraising tool. He warned that the land acquisition could devastate thousands of farmers and urged the Karnataka administration to halt the plan.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- Deve Gowda labels Bidadi project as Congress fundraising scheme
- Project could jeopardize livelihoods of thousands of small‑holder farmers
- He urges Karnataka government to pause surveys and explore alternative sites
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday, JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda accused the Congress‑led state government of attempting to "mobilise funds for the party" through the AI‑powered Integrated Township project at Bidadi ahead of the upcoming elections. He warned that the proposed land acquisition would “devastate the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.”
Background of the Bidadi Project
The Bidadi initiative, launched in 2024, aims to create a high‑tech township equipped with smart infrastructure, industrial parks, and residential complexes managed by artificial intelligence. While the state touts the project as a catalyst for urban‑rural integration, the required land has been earmarked from numerous smallholders who own only modest ancestral plots.
Farmers’ Dependence on Agriculture and Dairy
Deve Gowda highlighted that the surrounding villages support more than 40,000 small farms, supplying roughly 60,000 litres of milk daily to Bengaluru. “These families depend solely on land passed down through generations; they have no alternative source of income,” he said, emphasizing the social risk of displacing them.
Political Context
The JD(S) has consistently opposed the Bidadi scheme, while Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has repeatedly reminded that the project was originally announced when JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy was chief minister. Shivakumar asserted that the land was notified during Kumaraswamy’s tenure and that he is prepared to “denotify it now and go to jail” if necessary. Congress, on the other hand, argues that the project will generate jobs and boost the state’s economy.
Implications and Future Outlook
If the Bidadi township proceeds, it could reshape Karnataka’s agricultural landscape, affect dairy supply chains, and alter revenue streams. Analysts warn that without robust rehabilitation measures, large‑scale land acquisitions risk sparking social unrest, especially as the state approaches assembly elections. The controversy may compel policymakers to adopt more transparent land‑acquisition protocols and prioritize farmer compensation.