Gen-Z should take up the fight against Bidadi township project: Devanur Mahadeva

Noted writer Devanur Mahadeva said the Gen-Z should take up the fight against the proposed Bidadi Township project.

Responding to a question from reporters at a press conference in Mysuru on Friday (August 14, 2026) on what should be the next course of action if the government did not drop the project, Mr Mahadeva said he preferred the Gen-Z should come forward and take up the mantle.

“The new generation should lead the movement and we will follow them”, he said.

While referring to the conflicting claims by the Government and the activists about the willingness of the farmers to part with the land, Mr. Mahadeva asked if it was appropriate for the government to acquire agricultural land. 

“If all the farmers give up their land, who will undertake farming? Will the government provide them jobs? Will you provide them a livelihood and prevent migration? Farmers who migrate from villages to cities are ending up in slums. Shouldn’t this be considered?” he asked.

“If the Bidadi Township project was implemented, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka would all be equally responsible” he said. 

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leader Badagalapura Nagendra, who was also present at the press conference, said a report prepared by a four-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Judge V Gopalagowda had said that the project had no legal validity and was detrimental to the environment.

“A padayatra will be taken out from Byramangala to Freedom Park in Bengaluru on August 25 urging the state government to drop the project” he said.

KRRS General Secretary T. Yashwanth and Samaj Parivarthana Samudaya (SPS) Founder S.R. Hiremath, who were also present at the press conference, opposed the Bidadi township project.