Nikhil Kumaraswamy demands Congress to drop Greater Bengaluru Project, announces agitation
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Bengaluru: JD(S) Youth Wing State President Nikhil Kumaraswamy has demanded that the Karnataka Congress government scrap the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project at Bidadi, warning of a massive agitation until the project is withdrawn.
Addressing reporters at the JD(S) state office, JP Bhavan, on Saturday, Nikhil said, “Starting tomorrow, we will launch a large-scale protest. We will stand as the backbone of the farmers until this project is scrapped. No matter how far this fight has to go, JD(S) will be there.”
He accused the state government of betraying farmers' trust and escalating their fears. “For months, farmers in the Bidadi area have been living in constant anxiety about losing their lands. Instead of alleviating their worries, the government is fueling their anger,” he charged.
Drawing a parallel to the farmers’ protest at Channarayapatna in Devanahalli, where farmers had demonstrated for 1,000 days, Nikhil said JD(S) is prepared to fight the Bidadi project with the same intensity and take it to a “logical end.” Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy will join the protest via video conference, while several farmer leaders will take part on the ground, he added.
Nikhil challenged the government to first implement a pilot project on the 900 acres already allotted to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). “Show us how it works there first. The GBIT lacks experience, manpower, and financial backing. Where are your resources? The government must answer these questions,” he demanded.
He criticized Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that despite repeatedly meeting farmers, Shivakumar has failed to hold any meaningful discussions about compensation. “You have challenged us to stop you, but have you taken any steps to protect farmers' lands from being sold? What are your plans for the future of their children? What is the hidden agenda behind rushing this project?” he asked.
According to Nikhil, nearly 80 percent of the farmers strongly oppose the land acquisition process. He called for an immediate halt to the acquisition and urged action against GBIT and police officials who are allegedly intimidating farmers. He also demanded that the government make public the project report prepared by the Boston Consulting Group.
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FM proposes to reduce TCS rates for education, medical purposes
New Delhi: Presenting the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families and streamlining the tax framework.
She proposed reducing the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on foreign remittances for education and medical purposes from 5 per cent to 2 per cent, a move expected to benefit students studying abroad and those seeking overseas medical treatment.
The finance minister also announced that the new Income Tax Act will come into effect from April 1, 2026, marking a major overhaul of the country’s direct tax system.
