HD Kumaraswamy's ₹1,400-Crore Jibe at CM D.K. Shivakumar: 'Teach Farmers How Three Acres Became ₹1,400 Crore'
Bengaluru, June 14: Union Minister and JD(S) State President H.D. Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar while opposing the proposed land acquisition for the Bidadi township project, sarcastically suggesting that the Chief Minister should teach farmers how to become wealthy from small landholdings.
Addressing the media, Kumaraswamy alleged that the government was attempting to push ahead with the township project despite strong resistance from local farmers. Referring to statements made by the Chief Minister regarding the landowners affected by the acquisition process, Kumaraswamy questioned the government’s approach and accused it of disregarding the concerns of farming communities.
In a pointed remark aimed at the Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy referred to asset declarations filed during elections and said that D.K. Shivakumar had declared ownership of around three acres of ancestral land in an earlier election affidavit and later reported assets worth approximately ₹1,400 crore.
“Someone with three acres of land has managed to build assets worth ₹1,400 crore. Farmers owning one or two acres should also be trained on how to become rich. Since he is now the Chief Minister, I have no objection if he conducts such a programme for the benefit of ordinary farmers,” Kumaraswamy said sarcastically.
The Union Minister made the remarks while discussing the proposed Bidadi township project and the ongoing opposition from farmers in Ramanagara district. He alleged that fertile agricultural land was being targeted for acquisition and questioned the urgency with which the government was proceeding.
Kumaraswamy also referred to the history of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project, recalling that discussions on improving connectivity between Bengaluru and Mysuru began decades ago. He said various governments had explored township and infrastructure proposals along the corridor over the years, but maintained that projects affecting farmers should not proceed without public consent.
According to Kumaraswamy, large tracts of land were notified during earlier phases of infrastructure planning, but several questions remain regarding implementation and land utilisation over the past three decades. He alleged that the current push for the Bidadi township project was linked more to real estate interests than public welfare.
Reiterating his support for the affected farmers, Kumaraswamy said land acquisition should not be forced upon local communities and that the concerns of farmers must be addressed before any further action is taken.
The remarks are the latest in the escalating political exchange between the JD(S) leader and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the proposed township project and land acquisition in the Bidadi region.
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