Archive · 10 Aug 2026
BJP Chief Claims Bidadi Farmers Compensated for Land Handover
Some important leaders in Karnataka were talking about a big building plan called the Bidadi Township project.
The government wants to build it, and it needs land from farmers.
A leader named B.Y. Vijayendra said farmers who are joining a protest walk are actually getting money for giving up their land.
Another leader named Madhu Bangarappa asked him how much money the farmers were getting.
Vijayendra said he did not know the exact amount.
He also said people who want to make money from real estate are interested in this project.
A farmer leader named Prakash said Vijayendra might be talking about only a few farmers who agreed to give up about 150 acres.
Prakash said most farmers — 80 out of 100 — do not want the project.
So the leaders disagree about what the farmers really want.
A viral audio-video clip captured BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra telling Minister Madhu Bangarappa that farmers in the Bidadi region are receiving compensation to give up their lands for the proposed Bidadi Township project.
The conversation occurred before a taluk-level meeting at Shikaripura taluk in Shivamogga, where Bangarappa asked about the padayatra launched by BJP and Janata Dal Secular against the project.
Vijayendra said farmers taking part in the padayatra are availing compensation, and when asked the percentage, said he had not followed it and noted 'there is real estate interest in the project.'
Farmers' leader Prakash of Byramangala said Vijayendra may have referred to farmers who agreed to part with about 150 acres of land.
Prakash clarified that 80 percent of farmers in the Bidadi region are opposed to the Bidadi Township project.
- Who
- BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Congress minister Madhu Bangarappa, and farmers' leader Prakash of Byramangala
- What
- Vijayendra claimed farmers in the Bidadi region are being compensated to give up their lands for the proposed Bidadi Township project, a claim disputed by farmers' leader Prakash.
- When
- The conversation took place on Saturday before a taluk-level meeting at Shikaripura; the clip went viral on Sunday.
- Where
- Bidadi region of Bengaluru South district; the conversation happened at Shikaripura taluk in Shivamogga.
- Why
- Vijayendra was responding to Bangarappa's question about the padayatra launched by BJP-Janata Dal Secular against the Bidadi Township project.
Vijayendra's claim
Farmers' leader's response
Compensation for land
Vijayendra's claim
Vijayendra said farmers joining the padayatra are availing compensation to give away their lands for the Bidadi Township project.
Farmers' leader's response
Prakash said only farmers who agreed to part with about 150 acres may have received compensation, and that 80 percent of farmers in the Bidadi region oppose the project.
Farmer sentiment
Vijayendra's claim
Vijayendra implied farmers participating in the padayatra had accepted compensation, and said there is real estate interest in the project.
Farmers' leader's response
Prakash maintained that opposition is widespread, with 80 percent of Bidadi region farmers against the project.
- Project
- Proposed Bidadi Township project
- Location
- Bidadi region, Bengaluru South district
- Vijayendra's claim
- Farmers in the padayatra are availing compensation to give up their lands
- Land agreed to be parted with
- About 150 acres (per farmers' leader Prakash)
- Farmers opposed
- 80 percent of farmers in Bidadi region (per Prakash)
- Protest
- Padayatra by BJP and Janata Dal Secular against the project
- Political affiliations
- Vijayendra (BJP), Bangarappa (Congress, Soraba MLA)