Tensions rise over Bidadi Township project as farmers block highway in protest

Bidadi Township project: The proposed Bidadi Integrated Township by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has sparked intense opposition, with hundreds of farmers rallying against the land acquisition process.

The protesting farmers, whose lands fall within the designated project zone, staged a large demonstration today, blocking the Bengaluru–Mysuru old highway and vowing not to give up “even an inch” of their farmland.

Spread across nearly 9,600 acres in nine villages of Bidadi hobli, the township aims to develop a large-scale urban settlement. However, for the past two months, local farmers have been resisting the initiative, accusing the government of forcibly acquiring fertile agricultural land.

The situation escalated when the Deputy Commissioner (DC) called a meeting to discuss land valuation and rehabilitation packages. Although all landowners were officially invited, farmers were outraged upon learning that only 30 representatives would be allowed inside, calling it a sign of administrative disrespect.

More than 500 farmers gathered outside the DC’s office, demanding entry and chanting slogans against what they described as the government’s “anti-farmer” policies. As the protest intensified, demonstrators briefly blocked the highway, prompting police intervention. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, with attempts made to detain several agitators.

In a dramatic twist, enraged farmers deflated the tyres of a KSRTC bus meant to transport the detained individuals, turning the protest into a tense standoff.

Former MLA A. Manjunath visited the protest site to show support and criticized the administration’s handling of the issue. He later joined farmers inside the meeting, demanding that all affected landowners be allowed to voice their concerns.

After heated discussions, the DC agreed to let farmers submit objections in batches of 50, temporarily calming the situation. While a few landowners backed the project, the majority stood firm in their opposition, refusing to relinquish their land.

The standoff underscores the widening divide over the township—seen by officials as vital for easing Bengaluru’s congestion, but viewed by locals as a veiled land grab. With protests gaining momentum and political backing, the conflict is likely to intensify in the days ahead.

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