Karnataka Minister Jarkiholi expresses concern over Bidadi settlement

• Beware of the government

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi warned that the Bidadi settlement project should not harm the party or the government, despite farmers’ opposition and land acquisition concerns.

• Farmers’ opposition

Farmers in Bidadi are protesting the acquisition of 518 hectares of land for the proposed settlement, which requires 7,400 hectares in total.

• Political pressure

The opposition BJP and JD(S) are calling for the project to be scrapped, while the government faces an internal scrutiny over its potential impact.

• Historical delays

The Bidadi settlement project, first proposed in 2006, has been repeatedly canceled by successive Karnataka governments, including those led by HD Kumaraswamy and BS Yediyurappa.

• Criticism of the opposition

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka argued that the project lacks purpose, citing vacant plots developed by the government and comparing it to the national security rationale of the Great Nicobar project.