Bengaluru, June 28: The political clash between Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intensified over the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township project. During a public meeting near Bidadi, Kumaraswamy placed an empty chair on stage for the Chief Minister, inviting him to engage in an open debate with affected farmers.
Kumaraswamy had previously sent two letters to Chief Minister Shivakumar, urging him to participate in a public discussion regarding the project. In response, the Chief Minister invited Kumaraswamy and five of his representatives to discuss the matter at the Vidhana Soudha.
However, when questioned by reporters in Bengaluru about the issue on Saturday, Chief Minister Shivakumar did not respond and left the venue.
At the public meeting held in Bhairamangala village near Bidadi, an empty chair with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s name was placed next to Kumaraswamy’s seat.
In a conversation with the media, Kumaraswamy accused the Chief Minister of lacking the moral courage to engage in an open debate with the public. He stated, “I have come here with full courage. The discussion should happen in front of the people. Why should I go elsewhere? The Chief Minister will not come here under any circumstances because he cannot face the public.”
Kumaraswamy clarified that his goal is not to bring the Chief Minister to the streets but to discuss the concerns of farmers, women, and the elderly who have trusted their representatives for years.
He emphasized, “I am here to honor those who have been protesting against this project for the past 460 days. If the Chief Minister truly respects them, he should come here and debate. It is inappropriate to make statements against me from a distance.”
He expressed his readiness to discuss with real farmers at any time.
When asked if placing an empty chair for the Chief Minister was a political stunt, Kumaraswamy replied that he already knew Shivakumar would not attend.
He remarked, “If he knew he wouldn’t come, then why did he invite me to the Vidhana Soudha? The discussion should happen among the affected people.”
Kumaraswamy criticized the Chief Minister, noting that while Shivakumar is involved in a campaign to plant 1.5 million trees, the state government is preparing to cut down nearly 1 million trees for the township project.
He stated, “I am not inciting the farmers’ movement. They are protesting to save their ancestral land.”
Kumaraswamy urged the Chief Minister to set aside his pride and listen to the farmers’ demands, highlighting that the farmers and women of Bidadi have been protesting for nearly 480 days to protect their land.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Shivakumar’s close associate and Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna stated that the Chief Minister would not participate in any public debate under any circumstances.
He alleged that Kumaraswamy’s intention is not to discuss but to create unrest and violence in the region.
Balakrishna commented, “If the Chief Minister were willing to engage in a public debate, he should have arranged the meeting. Whether the issue is raised in the Vidhana Soudha or Bhairamangala, the subject remains the same. Kumaraswamy’s only aim is to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image.”
He added that while discussions can occur in the media, Kumaraswamy could meet with the Chief Minister with ten or more people, but the Chief Minister will not participate in a public debate.
He also claimed that not all farmers oppose the project. After the final notification was issued on a pilot basis in some villages, nearly 75% of landowners were willing to accept compensation for their land.
Meanwhile, a group of farmers supporting the project confronted the protesting farmers, demanding that Kumaraswamy face them so they could present their side. In light of the situation, security measures in the area have been tightened.
Leave a Comment