Karnataka Farmers Plan ‘Bairamangala Chalo’ Rally to Oppose Bidadi Township Project
Farmers from various districts of Karnataka are set to intensify their protest against the Bidadi Township Project with a bike rally called “Bairamangala Chalo” on Monday, June 22. The rally, organised by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, aims to draw attention to the concerns of farmers who fear that the project will lead to loss of agricultural land and livelihoods.
The Bidadi Township Project, a large-scale urban development initiative proposed by the Karnataka government, envisions the creation of a satellite township near Bengaluru. However, farmers and agricultural organisations have opposed the project, citing inadequate compensation, displacement, and adverse impact on farming communities.
According to organisers, participants are expected to arrive from Tumakuru, Chickballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Bengaluru South district, and other regions. Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, who represents the Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha but has extended support to the Congress government in the state, confirmed his participation in the rally. “I stand with the farmers in their legitimate demands,” he said.
In a related development, the Samyukta Horata Karnataka held a meeting on June 16 to chart the future course of action, drawing inspiration from the Channarayapatna farmers’ agitation. Yashavantha T., State General Secretary of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), announced that once the monsoon session of the state legislature begins, farmers’ groups will organise a “Vidhana Soudha Chalo” protest against the project.
The protest highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and agricultural interests in Karnataka. While the government maintains that the project will boost economic growth and provide housing, farmers argue that their rights and livelihoods must be protected. The rally on Monday is expected to be a peaceful demonstration, with organisers emphasising their commitment to democratic means of protest.
