BJP, JD(S) launch padayatra against Bidadi township project

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Leader of Opposition in Vidhana Sabha R. Ashoka on Sunday (August 9, 2026) flagged off a joint padayatra by the Janata Dal (Secular) and the BJP at Bidadi in the Bengaluru South district, launched in opposition to the Bidadi Township project.

The padayatra, which began at Bairamangala Circle in Bidadi, will reach Bengaluru on Tuesday (August 11, 2026), where a large protest will be held at Freedom Park. The development comes just before the start of the Monsoon Session.

This is the first major joint protest by the BJP and JD(S) and is being spearheaded by JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

While the JD(S) is leading the padayatra, the BJP is all set to debate the township project during the upcoming session.

Mr. Kumaraswamy launched the foot march by reading excerpts from the fact-finding report on the Bidadi Township Project prepared by Congress leaders in 2006. The Kagodu Thimmappa-led committee, which prepared the report, included Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as a member.

Mr. Kumaraswamy pointed out the irony, saying while the committee report had described the project as disastrous, the Congress itself is pursuing it now. The Union Minister said the report states that there are 3,000 houses in the area proposed for acquisition, along with 1.56 lakh coconut trees, 48,000 arecanut trees, and 13,000 neem trees.

“In addition, the report says that the land is very fertile, as farmers are growing ragi in 1,130 acres, paddy in 714 acres, sugarcane in 414 acres, vegetables in 200 acres, and silk in 661 acres,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

Mr. Ashoka also lashed out at the government and said the project was against the interests of farmers. He further said that the committee appointed by the government to study the merits and demerits of the project would submit a report in favour of the government, alleging that the members of the committee were “payment” placements.