Bengaluru, June 17: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the state president of the youth wing of the Janata Dal (Secular), has launched a fierce attack on the Karnataka government’s land acquisition policy, specifically targeting the Congress party. He alleges that fertile land belonging to farmers in the Bidadi area, near Bengaluru, is being forcibly acquired. Kumaraswamy has called on senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to intervene and protect the interests of the farmers.
In a post on the social media platform X, Kumaraswamy mentioned that he had previously written to Rahul Gandhi, urging him to halt the proposed land acquisition in Bidadi. He claims that hundreds of local farmers have also reached out to Gandhi, expressing their pain, anger, and concerns over the issue.
Kumaraswamy pointed out that over 80% of those affected are small farmers, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He stated that the state government intends to acquire fertile agricultural land for a large real estate project worth ₹33,000 crores. He criticized the government for ignoring the spirit and provisions of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 during this process.
He questioned Rahul Gandhi, stating that if he advocates for farmers’ rights nationwide, he should also take a clear stance on the issues faced by farmers in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy urged the Congress leadership to raise their voice against the alleged injustices perpetrated by their own government and to immediately stop the forcible acquisition of farmers’ land.
In another post, Kumaraswamy congratulated Krishna Byre Gowda on his new responsibilities as Bengaluru’s development minister. However, he humorously remarked that the 12-day wait for the ministerial announcement felt akin to the notorious traffic jams at Silk Board Junction.
He noted that the newly appointed minister faces a challenging situation, as while he has been given the responsibility of the development ministry, control over crucial departments related to urban planning remains with the Chief Minister. Nevertheless, Kumaraswamy praised Gowda’s administrative experience and previous reforms in the revenue department.
Kumaraswamy suggested that the immediate focus for Bengaluru’s development should be on improving waste management, sewage systems, and drainage mechanisms. He emphasized that during the monsoon season, residents need clean roads, effective drainage, and a robust sewage system more than grand projects. He believes that addressing these fundamental issues could significantly enhance the quality of life for Bengaluru’s citizens.
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