Shivakumar Forms Expert Committee to Review Bidadi Township Project

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the formation of an expert committee, potentially comprising retired judges and legislators, to evaluate the legal implications and merits of the proposed Bidadi AI-powered township project. The move follows escalating tensions in the Ramanagara district, including a July 13 incident in Mandalahalli village where farmers clashed with a Joint Measurement Committee team and chased officials away with brooms.

Shivakumar defended the project by stating that the 9,600-acre acquisition process was initiated by previous administrations under former Chief Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and B.S. Yediyurappa. He distanced himself from the plan, asserting it was not his "dream project" but a continuation of a 2006 proposal from the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority. He further alleged that H.D. Kumaraswamy is instigating farmer agitations as part of a political conspiracy.

While refusing to denotify the land due to potential legal consequences that could lead to his imprisonment, Shivakumar pledged that no land would be acquired by force. He stated that farmers who wish to continue farming may do so, and compensation will be offered only to those who volunteer their land. The government expects the expert committee to reach a final decision within three months.