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Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project at Bidadi, warning of a massive agitation until the project is withdrawn.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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KKR hammer DC by eight wickets as Allen smashes unbeaten ton
New Delhi (PTI): Finn Allen smashed a 47-ball 100 not out as Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to register their fourth win on the trot in the IPL, here on Friday.
Opting to bowl, KKR spinners led by Sunil Narine strangled Delhi Capitals in the middle overs on a tacky surface to restrict them to 142/8.
Pathum Nissanka struck a quick 50 (29 balls; 5x4, 3x6) but Delhi lost momentum after his dismissal, scoring just 11 runs between the 12th and 16th overs as Anukul Roy (2/31), Kartik Tyagi (2/25) and Sunil Narine (1/17) applied the brakes.
Ashutosh Sharma’s late 28-ball 39 (3x4, 3x6), gave Delhi some respite.
In reply, Allen, who came in as Impact Sub for Varun Chakravarthy, smashed 10 sixes and five fours to make it a lopsided chase as KKR sealed the win in just 14.2 overs.
Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals 142/8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 50, Ashutosh Sharma 39; Anukul Roy 2/31, Kartik Tyagi 2/25). Kolkata Knight Riders 147/2 in 14.2 overs (Finn Allen 100 not out).
