Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy dismissed suggestions that his exchange of letters with the Chief Minister reflected any personal hostility. While Shivakumar had invited him to Vidhana Soudha for talks, the Union minister said any meaningful discussion should take place at Byramangala in the presence of farmers and other stakeholders directly affected by the proposed land acquisition.
“I had informed the Chief Minister that I would be available at Byramangala on June 27 for an open discussion on the issue. I intend to honour that commitment and will await his arrival. If he chooses to attend, I will be happy to discuss the matter with him,” Kumaraswamy said.
The Mandya MP said he would remain at the venue until Saturday afternoon and hoped the Chief Minister would respond positively to his invitation. He maintained that his visit was intended solely to express solidarity with farmers concerned about the project, not to trigger any confrontation.
“We are not going there to create unrest. We are only standing with farmers who have expressed apprehensions over the project. I am keeping the commitment I made publicly. If the Chief Minister joins us, it will provide an opportunity for constructive engagement,” he said.
Responding to reports that some landowners were willing to part with their land, Kumaraswamy said he had no objection if farmers chose to do so voluntarily.
“If farmers are prepared to part with their land of their own accord, I have no quarrel with that. But any attempt to pressure, intimidate or compel them would be unacceptable,” he said.Recalling the earlier Bidadi township proposal, Kumaraswamy said he had held discussions with farmers at the Krishna Secretariat when the issue first surfaced. He also noted that Congress leaders had then opposed the project and supported farmers resisting land acquisition.
“I am visiting Byramangala solely to support the farmers. Their protest has remained within the framework of the law, and my participation will also be entirely lawful. I will spend the day listening to their concerns. If the Chief Minister joins us, it could facilitate a more informed and consensual resolution,” he said.
Kumaraswamy added that while some farmers might be willing to surrender their land, many others had categorically opposed the proposal and were fully aware of its implications.
