Key Facts
The Bidadi Integrated Township project has become a major political flashpoint in Karnataka, with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launching sharp personal attacks on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The controversy involves allegations of land grabbing, rapid wealth accumulation, and political rivalry within the Vokkaliga community.
Kumaraswamy's Allegations
Speaking in Mandya on Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed Shivakumar a 'real estate baron' and questioned how his assets grew from just three acres of ancestral land in 1999 to ₹1,400 crore by 2018. 'The Chief Minister owes an explanation to the people of Karnataka on his rapid accumulation of such large amounts of wealth. He should, in fact, conduct training sessions on how to accumulate such wealth so rapidly. It would greatly benefit the public,' Kumaraswamy said sarcastically. He also alleged that Shivakumar colluded with real estate mafia operators.
Recalling the scrapped Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), Kumaraswamy claimed the project's nature changed after former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda moved to Delhi, and blamed Shivakumar, then BMIC Authority Chairman, for land grabbing under the project's banner.
Shivakumar's Camp Fires Back
Magadi legislator H.C. Balakrishna, a Shivakumar confidant, countered that Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha owns 60 acres in the notified land. 'Where did they get the money to buy it? Did they sell potatoes and buy this land? They should explain,' Balakrishna said. He also accused Kumaraswamy of pursuing the project during his 2018 tenure and questioned why he didn't withdraw the notification if he was honest.
Balakrishna further targeted BJP's R. Ashok, asking, 'Who is not involved in real estate? Everyone is involved. R. Ashok has spoken about it too. Is he a son of Kubera? Will you investigate how he accumulated wealth after entering politics?'
BJP Seeks Rahul Gandhi's Intervention
The BJP intensified the attack, with state president B.Y. Vijayendra writing to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling the project a 'State-engineered land grab'. He urged Gandhi to 'take a public position on this matter and direct your Chief Minister to halt this land acquisition until the farmers of Bidadi have been genuinely heard.'
Vijayendra highlighted the irony: 'You travel the country raising the banner of land rights for farmers... Yet here in Karnataka, the Congress Chief Minister continues unmoved, even as some of the State’s poorest farmers are pushed to the brink of losing everything they own.'
Political Implications
The row underscores the intense rivalry between Kumaraswamy and Shivakumar for Vokkaliga leadership. Both leaders are trading allegations while the BJP seeks to corner the Congress government on farmer rights. The project's fate remains uncertain amid legal and political challenges.
FAQ
What is the Bidadi Integrated Township project?
It is a proposed township project on fertile agricultural land in Bidadi, Karnataka, which has sparked controversy over land acquisition and alleged real estate dealings.
Why is H.D. Kumaraswamy attacking D.K. Shivakumar?
Kumaraswamy questioned Shivakumar's rapid wealth growth from 3 acres in 1999 to ₹1,400 crore by 2018, calling him a 'real estate baron'.
What did BJP's B.Y. Vijayendra request Rahul Gandhi?
He urged Rahul Gandhi to intervene and halt the land acquisition until farmers' concerns are addressed, calling it a 'State-engineered land grab'.