Karnataka BJP Chief B.Y. Vijayendra Stands Firm with Farmers Against Bidadi Township Project
Bengaluru, August 12: Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra clarified on Tuesday that there is no confusion within the party regarding support for farmers protesting the proposed Bidadi Township Project. He reiterated that the BJP stands firmly with the farmers.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra stated that the BJP had already declared its support for the farmers’ concerns and had plans to join a foot march in collaboration with the Janata Dal (Secular) party.
“There is no misunderstanding regarding the BJP’s support for the Bidadi farmers’ movement. The BJP has always stood with farmers. We had already announced the Bidadi foot march and planned to finalize the date with the state JD(S) president and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy,” he said.
Vijayendra clarified his recent discussions with Minister Madhu Bangarappa, stating that some individuals were trying to create misconceptions about their conversation.
“I did not engage in any inappropriate or indirect discussions with Minister Madhu Bangarappa. I spoke to him directly and clearly. I also informed him that the BJP had given symbolic support to the JD(S) foot march. Additionally, I mentioned that some farmers had received compensation before our protests and had withdrawn from the movement,” he added.
He emphasized that the BJP’s symbolic support for the JD(S) led foot march should not be interpreted as merely symbolic support for the Bidadi farmers’ issues.
“The BJP has provided symbolic support for the JD(S) led foot march, but this should not be misconstrued as the BJP offering only symbolic support for the Bidadi farmers’ struggle,” he stated.
The state BJP president further noted that the foot march was postponed following the death of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s wife, Channamma Deve Gowda.
“I personally informed Kumaraswamy that the foot march could be organized after the funeral and other rituals were completed,” he said. Later, JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy announced the date for the foot march.
Following this, the BJP’s core committee discussed the matter, deciding that the party would provide symbolic support for the event.
Vijayendra mentioned that senior BJP leader R. Ashok participated in the inauguration of the foot march, demonstrating the party’s symbolic support.
He noted that he could not attend due to a prior engagement. He accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of adopting a contradictory stance on the farmers’ land issues in Bidadi.
“The Chief Minister is taking a dual approach regarding farmers’ land in Bidadi. I stand by my previous statement,” he asserted.
He reiterated that the BJP would not compromise on protecting farmers’ land and rights.
“The BJP will always stand with farmers. There will be no compromise on the protection of farmers’ land and their rights,” he concluded.
The BJP opposes the proposed Bidadi Township Project and has accused the Congress government of advancing the project at the expense of farmers’ interests. The party has also supported the farmers’ protests against the proposed land acquisition.
