Devanahalli farmers anxious over KIADB notice on land rates: Report
Bengaluru: Farmers in Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk are gripped with concern after receiving fresh notices related to land acquisition, raising fears that the state government may go back on its promise to drop plans for a large-scale industrial project in the region.
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has issued notices for a price-fixation meeting regarding 439 acres of land in Hyadala and Gokare Bacchenahalli — two of the 13 villages that were previously notified for acquisition to establish a defence and aerospace technology park. This comes despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assurance on July 15 that the government had scrapped the acquisition of 1,777 acres across 13 villages for the project, as reported by The New Indian Express on Friday.
Although the scheduled meeting on September 6 was later deferred following protests, villagers remain deeply concerned about the government's intentions. Many farmers now warn of launching intensified agitations if the land is not denotified as promised.
Ramesh Cheemachanahalli, a farmer and member of the Channarayapatna Land Acquisition Protest Committee, alleged that the government had earlier stated land would be taken only from willing farmers. “Around 23 farmers have offered 154 acres. But at least 13 other applications are bogus, and submitted under fake names. Complaints have been filed with the police and KIADB,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Cheemachanahalli stressed that once prices are fixed, acquisition becomes legally binding, making the government’s intention unclear and fuelling farmers’ fears.
Farmers argue that despite the “voluntary” claim for only 154 acres, notices issued mentioned that the meeting was about acquiring 439 acres, creating panic. Ravi Matabarlu, a farmer from Gokare Bacchenahalli, alleged that notices were selectively sent only to a few landowners. “They sent notices only to a handful of farmers who had ‘supposedly’ agreed to give land, not to all landowners. Officially, they say notices were issued to everyone, but in reality, they selectively approached just a few. Later, they claimed others had rejected or returned notices,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
He further alleged that some of the applications submitted were fraudulent. “In one case, a person even signed on behalf of his elder brother, claiming he was willing to give the land,” he added.
Krishnappa, another affected farmer from Hyadala, expressed concern that despite the Chief Minister's earlier announcement about dropping the project, KIADB continues to convene meetings. He believes that officials and politicians are sending mixed signals, leaving farmers uncertain about their future. With their livelihoods dependent on agriculture, many like him fear losing the very land that sustains them.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
