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The proposed city has shifted from a development pitch into a political flashpoint where technology ambitions, land concerns and political rivalries now intersect
DK Shivakumar (keft) and HD Kumaraswamy (right) have locked horns over the project. (PTI)
The political rivalry between deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy has escalated again, with the Karnataka government’s renewed push to build a new IT city in Bidadi—an area that falls squarely within Kumaraswamy’s home turf.
The timing seems deliberate: Shivakumar brought up the project at the Bengaluru Tech Summit in front of global technology leaders and major investors preparing to sign new MoUs during the three-day event.
“We have a new IT city being planned in Bidadi as global leaders are ready to invest billions in Bengaluru,” he said.
The state has been promoting the plan as a Rs 20,000-crore, next-generation AI-IT cluster city under the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT).
With protests intensifying and both Shivakumar and Kumaraswamy hardening their positions, the proposed AI City in Bidadi has shifted from a development pitch into a political flashpoint where technology ambitions, land concerns and political rivalries now intersect.
Kumaraswamy has been sharply critical of the project, calling it “anti-farmer” and alleging that it is being pushed for “personal benefit”.
The project has run into strong local resistance as well, with farmers alleging weakened land safeguards, livelihood risks and unresolved legal concerns. The protests have added a fresh layer to the already tense political tug-of-war between the two leaders.
“There is plenty of dry land available in Kanakapura (Shivakumar’s turf), and even officials have acknowledged this. Why not build the township there? The intention here is not the welfare of Bidadi’s people, but someone’s personal benefit,” he said.
While government officials argue the project was initiated even when Kumaraswamy was chief minister, the Union minister rejected that comparison.
“The government should not justify the project by citing decisions taken during my tenure as chief minister. The land prices during my term were very different from today. Now, the land in Bidadi is extremely valuable. Despite strong resistance, the state is planning to acquire around 9,000 acres. I am with the farmers,” Kumaraswamy had said in Mandya earlier, adding that he would join their protests.
Farmers from over 35 villages in Bidadi, including Byramangala and Kanchugaranahalli gram panchayats, have been protesting since March, when the preliminary land acquisition notification was issued. Kumaraswamy has urged them not to give up their land. “Farmers need not fear. Do not give even an inch of land. I am with you,” he told them.
Shivakumar, for his part, has framed the proposed IT city as a continuation of Karnataka’s established technology ecosystem, emphasising the state’s talent and start-up base.
“The local talent, innovation, technology and start-ups will take Karnataka in a new direction if encouraged properly. I am calling upon the young talent to compete at a global level. We will always support those who come to Karnataka seeking opportunities,” he said.
Shivakumar also addressed the criticism surrounding Bengaluru’s civic issues as well as the fact that damaged roads, potholes, and missed repair deadlines also that which is criticised as as Rao’s bengaluru was losing investment opportunities to neighbouring states like AP and Telangana. —-—damaged roads, potholes and missed repair deadlines—.
This has drawn strong reactions from citizens and industry bodies. While opposition parties argue that poor infrastructure is forcing companies to consider other cities, Shivakumar said global delegates had appreciated the work done. He said the administration “welcomes both praise and criticism” and that its priority is public service.
This remark was aimed at the opposition BJP as well as critics like BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and others who have been critical of Bengaluru’s potholes and bad road infrastructure.
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t…Read More
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t… Read More
November 18, 2025, 3:40 PM IST
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