New Delhi/Bengaluru, July 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the state government’s decision to issue a fresh land acquisition notification for villages falling under the proposed Bidadi Township Project, alleging that the move betrayed farmers and exposed the government’s “vested interests”.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy described the notification as “inhumane, cruel and morally indefensible”, claiming that it was issued despite the government’s public assurances that no land would be acquired without the consent of farmers.

“On one hand, the Chief Minister says no land will be acquired forcibly and speaks about constituting a committee. On the other hand, his government quietly issues fresh notifications to acquire farmers’ land,” Kumaraswamy said.

He questioned the timing of the notification, alleging that some individuals were aware of the government’s decision in advance. “People were bursting crackers and distributing sweets even before the notification became public. The government must explain who celebrated and why,” he said.

The Union Minister also questioned the rationale behind proceeding with land acquisition while simultaneously announcing a committee headed by a retired judge to examine the issue.

Referring to the ongoing protests by farmers, Kumaraswamy warned that the government’s actions had intensified public anger. He criticised Shivakumar’s remarks asking agitating farmers to “beat him with a broom”, saying such language was unbecoming of a Chief Minister.

“If you genuinely believe the project is unnecessary, withdraw it immediately,” Kumaraswamy said, rejecting the Chief Minister’s assertion that the township proposal originated during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Recalling the project’s history, Kumaraswamy said he had proposed satellite townships in 2006 to ease developmental pressure on Bengaluru but later dropped the Bidadi project following opposition from farmers and the Congress party. “I announced its cancellation both in the Assembly and during my Independence Day address,” he said.

He maintained that farmers had consistently opposed the township and accused the state government of attempting to acquire land under the guise of development.

“The farmers do not want this project. If nobody wants it, whose interests are being served?” he asked.

Kumaraswamy also objected to the government allegedly branding protesting farmers as “agents” and took a swipe at the Congress government’s record on Bengaluru’s development.

Concluding his remarks, the Union Minister accused the Chief Minister of misusing power and acting with ulterior motives. “Power is not permanent. The people of Karnataka are watching, and they will give their verdict at the appropriate time,” he said.

–IANS

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