A forum in Karnataka has opposed the land acquisition for the Bidadi township project, urging Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to intervene. In an open letter, the group drew parallels between the Bidadi proposal and the now-withdrawn land acquisition plan in Devanahalli, arguing that the project would displace farmers and harm their livelihoods.
Forum's Concerns
The forum highlighted that the Bidadi township project, if implemented, would lead to forced acquisition of agricultural land, affecting thousands of farmers. They claimed that the government's approach mirrors the controversial Devanahalli plan, which was scrapped after widespread protests. The group urged Rahul Gandhi to use his position to ensure that farmers' rights are protected and that the project is reconsidered.
Parallels to Devanahalli
The Devanahalli land acquisition plan, which was withdrawn in 2025, faced severe opposition from local communities. The forum argued that the Bidadi project follows a similar pattern, with inadequate compensation and lack of transparency. They called for a thorough review of the project's impact on the environment and local population.
Appeal to Rahul Gandhi
The open letter requested Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament and push for a halt to the acquisition process until a comprehensive rehabilitation plan is in place. The forum emphasized the need for a people-centric approach to development, rather than one that prioritizes corporate interests.
As of now, there has been no official response from Rahul Gandhi or the Karnataka government regarding the forum's appeal.
