'Farmers, Not Real Estate, Should Be Government's Priority': Vijayendra

Kalaburagi:  Attacking the Congress government over the proposed Bidadi township, state BJP president BY Vijayendra on Tuesday accused Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of prioritising real estate over farmers' interests. He warned against any attempt to acquire agricultural land without the consent of landowners.

Addressing reporters in Kalaburagi, Vijayendra said that BJP was not opposed to the creation of a township or the development of Bengaluru, but insisted that it should not come at the cost of farmers.

“If the Chief Minister believes farmers in Bidadi can be brought onto the streets and their land taken away, he should come out of that illusion. People have already begun protesting against the township proposal. Instead of worrying about the township, the government should focus on the development of North Karnataka," he said.

"A township may be necessary and Bengaluru's growth is important. But farmers cannot be forced to part with their land. Intimidating farmers or using coercive methods is unacceptable," he said.

Referring to the proposed second airport near Kanakapura, Vijayendra alleged that the government's priorities should not be tilted towards real estate. He further claimed that people were raising questions about the Chief Minister's land holdings in the region.

“As soon as he became CM he remembered Bidadi township and airport at Kanakapura. I will write to Shivakumar seeking clarity on both the Bidadi township and the proposed airport project, he said.