Karnataka Chief Minister Defends AI Township Amid Violent Farmer Protests

Violent clashes erupted on July 13, 2026, in Mandalahalli village, Ramanagara district, as farmers attempted to block a land survey for the ₹18,000-crore Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT). Protesters, including many women, assaulted officials from the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority and police with brooms, stones, and bricks. The clashes left several police officers and one 73-year-old farmer injured. In response, the Government of Karnataka registered two FIRs against 11 specific individuals and various other farmers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the GBIT, describing it as India's first AI-powered city designed to decongest Bengaluru and create 100,000 jobs. He denied that the project involves forced acquisition and accused the BJP and JD(S) of politicizing the issue. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara added that while peaceful protest is acceptable, the government will take legal action against violent demonstrations, though he suggested compensation could be increased if deemed inadequate.

Opposition leaders have condemned the project and the subsequent police action. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda urged the government to halt land acquisition and threatened a protest at Vidhana Soudha if FIRs are not withdrawn. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra alleged the project serves personal real estate interests of the Chief Minister, noting that the township and a proposed second airport both sit in Shivakumar's home region of Kanakapura. Minister Eshwar Khandre countered these claims, asserting the protests are politically motivated instigations.