Bengaluru, June 23: In a significant development, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has responded to the challenge issued by Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for a public debate regarding the controversial Bidadi Township Project near Bengaluru. Shivakumar has formally invited Kumaraswamy to discuss the project in detail at his office in Vidhana Soudha.
In a letter sent on Monday, Shivakumar expressed his eagerness to engage in a discussion about the Bidadi Township Project, which was initiated during Kumaraswamy’s tenure. He invited Kumaraswamy and five members of his team to meet on June 26 at 11 AM for an in-depth conversation.
This invitation comes in response to Kumaraswamy’s recent call for a public debate on the project, which has sparked political controversy in the state. The situation has generated considerable interest in Karnataka’s political circles, as both leaders have exchanged sharp remarks regarding the acquisition of agricultural land for the proposed township.
Previously, Kumaraswamy had challenged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to a public debate about the project, claiming that farmers are opposed to it. During a press conference, Kumaraswamy insisted that Shivakumar should address whether farmers agree with the project.
He stated that he is available whenever Shivakumar is ready, emphasizing that even if the Deputy Chief Minister is busy until midnight, he has requested some time to discuss this issue. Kumaraswamy highlighted that women and senior citizens have been protesting for the past 450 days and suggested that Shivakumar could visit them.
Kumaraswamy accused the project of benefiting no one but Shivakumar himself, asserting that it would only fill the Chief Minister’s pockets. He also announced legal action against the project, revealing that a legal team has been formed to investigate all aspects of the issue, with plans to approach the court in the next two to three days.
Referring to Congress leaders’ confidence in returning to power in 2028, Kumaraswamy remarked that they should be prepared for jail time first. He expressed uncertainty about how many would face consequences but mentioned that he has already opened an office in the Nagarbhavi area of Bengaluru. He urged them to focus on fixing Bengaluru and stated he is ready for any challenge, asserting that he has never allowed anyone to misuse government resources.
While acknowledging that the township proposal emerged during his tenure as Chief Minister, he noted that it never progressed beyond the initial stages.
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