Bengaluru, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, on Thursday visited villages affected by the proposed Bidadi Township project and declared that the party would not allow the project to be implemented.
After meeting farmers in Byramangala, Mandalahalli, and nearby villages, Ashoka accused the State government of attempting to forcibly acquire agricultural land and warned of intensified protests if action was taken against farmers.
“We will not allow the Bidadi Township project to be implemented under any circumstances. If the police touch the farmers, we will lay siege to police stations. I will also raise this issue during the Assembly session,” he said.
Ashoka alleged that police and revenue officials had violated legal procedures during recent visits to the project area. He said notices must be issued before acquisition proceedings are initiated, but instead, officials arrived suddenly and registered cases, including attempt-to-murder charges, against farmers.
The BJP leader claimed women had been abused during confrontations and that the government was attempting to portray protesting farmers as criminals.
“Farmers are fighting to save land that has sustained their families for generations. Resistance is natural when livelihoods are threatened,” he said.
He alleged that inducements were being offered to farmers to part with their land.
“An atmosphere similar to an Emergency has been created in Byramangala. Farmers are being promised additional compensation and commissions if they surrender their land,” Ashoka claimed.
He alleged that the State government was planning to acquire nearly 20,000 acres around Bengaluru for development projects and questioned proposals to develop layouts on grazing land.
“The government must explain under what law it intends to convert gomala land into layouts. This project has been designed for profiteering,” he alleged.
Ashoka further accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of diverting attention from farmers’ concerns by raising unrelated issues.
“The focus should remain on the farmers and their land. Cases registered against them must be withdrawn immediately,” he said.
Announcing the next phase of agitation, Ashoka said BJP leaders would undertake a “Gram Vasthavya” (village stay) program in affected villages to highlight farmers’ concerns.
He also announced that BJP MLAs, former legislators, and party workers would stage a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday against the proposed township project and the State government’s handling of the issue.
Source: IANS
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