Bidadi Smart City: Land Acquisition Only from Willing Farmers, Says CM DK Shivakumar

Political Bureau | Bangalore Mail
August 12, 2026

BENGALURU: Clearing the air surrounding the ongoing friction over the Bidadi Integrated Smart City project, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reaffirmed on Tuesday that land acquisition will be strictly voluntary, taking only from farmers who willingly agree to surrender their plots.

Addressing queries regarding local discontent, the Chief Minister confirmed that final notifications for the pending villages under the proposed township will be issued shortly following consultations with urban development authorities.

Voluntary Consent and Compensation Framework

The assurance comes on the heels of a meeting at Vidhana Soudha, where a delegation of Bidadi landowners urged the government to lift ‘red-zone’ restrictions that have constrained local property transactions.

According to Shivakumar, a large number of landholders have expressed readiness to participate in the township framework once formal proceedings are finalized.

“Hundreds of farmers met me and offered their lands voluntarily once the final notification is published. They have agreed to a hybrid compensation model—taking a portion in cash and the remainder in developed land. We will acquire property only from those who give consent. Nobody will be forced,” Shivakumar clarified.

Political Friction Over Protests and Opposition

Addressing ongoing farmer demonstrations and political opposition to the project, the Chief Minister questioned the authenticity and motives behind the protests.

Shivakumar claimed that local participation in recent rallies was minimal, alleging that demonstrators were predominantly mobilized from neighboring districts, including Mandya, Mysuru, and Tumakuru.

Turning his focus toward Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and opposition leadership, Shivakumar pointed to past precedents under previous administrations.

 Previous Acquisitions: Nearly 1,000 acres were previously acquired in the region during the BJP-led government at a compensation rate of ₹80 lakh per acre.

 Legislative Debate: Shivakumar questioned the political timing of the current resistance, adding that the state government is prepared to debate the entire scope of the Bidadi project during the upcoming Assembly session.