Bengaluru, July 18 (IANS) Karnataka BJP on Saturday clarified that it has no objection to the dates announced by its NDA ally Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) for the proposed padayatra against the Bidadi Township Project, asserting that both parties are united in their opposition to the State government’s plan.
Speaking to reporters at the BJP’s state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, senior leader and BJP Legislative Council Chief Whip N. Ravikumar said discussions over whether the BJP and JD(S) would undertake separate marches or a joint protest were unnecessary, as both parties share the same objective, the withdrawal of the Bidadi Township Project.
“The JD(S), our NDA ally, has announced July 30, 31 and August 1 for the padayatra. The BJP has no objection whatsoever to these dates. There is no discord between us on this issue,” Ravikumar said.
His remarks come amid speculation over coordination between the two NDA partners after the JD(S) announced dates for a padayatra from Bidadi to Bengaluru demanding that the Congress government scrap the township project.
Ravikumar said BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra would hold discussions with JD(S) leaders regarding the programme and that both parties would soon arrive at a consensus on the nature and schedule of the protest.
“As NDA partners, our demand is the same. We will not create any controversy over dates. Both parties are on the same page regarding the Bidadi Township issue, and a joint decision on the padayatra will be announced,” he said.
The BJP leader reiterated that the alliance’s primary demand was the immediate withdrawal of the township proposal, which has triggered protests from sections of farmers in Ramanagara district.
“Thousands of farmers participated in yesterday’s protest in Bengaluru. Our stand remains unchanged; the government must immediately withdraw the Bidadi Township Project,” he added.
Targeting Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Ravikumar accused the Congress government of adopting a “double standard” on land acquisition.
He said the Chief Minister claims farmers’ land will not be acquired forcibly, yet the government has issued a second notification for land acquisition. “If there is no intention to acquire land against the will of farmers, why issue another notification?” he asked.
He alleged that even small and marginal farmers owning less than half an acre were being brought under the acquisition process and urged the government to use its own land for any proposed township instead of acquiring fertile agricultural land.
Emphasising unity within the NDA on the issue, he said the BJP and JD(S) may have to finalise the logistical aspects of the protest, but there was no difference in their political positions.
“On the matter of agitation, the NDA has one voice. Our goal, our struggle, and our demand are the same: the Bidadi Township Project must be scrapped,” he said.
–IANS
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