Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda during a press conference in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Saturday announced that he will launch a fight against the proposed township project in Bidadi, claiming that fertile agricultural land is the target of urban development.
Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Gowda accused the government of facilitating “land entrepreneurship” under the guise of an urban project and said farmers in the region were living in fear and insecurity.
“My fight for Bidadi farmers starts today,” he said, claiming that there was strong opposition to the project among local residents.
Previous designs withdrawn
Comparing the satellite township proposals launched during HD Kumaraswamy’s tenure as chief minister, Mr Gowda said these projects were withdrawn following public opposition and criticism from Congress leaders.
“At that time, campaigns were launched alleging land grabbing and investigations were ordered. The very people who were against these projects are attempting something much more dangerous,” he claimed. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and review the project.
The former prime minister said he had already written to the chief minister to probe the land ownership patterns around Bengaluru and inquire in whose names nearly 20,000 acres of land was held.
DKS answers
The remarks drew a sharp response from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who alleged that it was the Kumaraswamy family who had amassed wealth through property deals.
Mr. Shivakumar said that those who are now against the Bidadi township project were themselves responsible for starting similar projects earlier.
“Yesterday they said that Bidadi township should not be implemented. But who even issued the notification for this? It was them,” he said.
Property
Referring to the land transactions associated with the Peripheral Ring Corridor, Mr. Shivakumar alleged that members of the Kumaraswamy family benefited from real estate activities in the area.
“Those who made money through real estate are from Kumaraswamy’s family. His elder brother acquired real estate in PRR area by intimidating people,” he alleged.
He further claimed that lands in areas like Doddagubbi and Chikkagubbi, bought years ago at low prices, are now worth several crores. “People there will tell you how today land registered at ₹7,000 or ₹10,00,000 is worth ₹25 to 50 crore,” Mr. Shivakumar added.
Published – 16 May 2026 22:10 IST
