Bidadi farmers stage blood protest against township land acquisition

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jul 17, 2026: Opposition to the proposed Bidadi Township project intensified on Thursday as farmers staged a symbolic "blood protest" against the government’s land acquisition plans.

During a demonstration at Byramangala village, farmers, including women, pricked their fingers and smeared blood on banners opposing the township project. They declared that they were ready to shed blood and even sacrifice their lives, but would not give up their agricultural land.

The protesters raised slogans such as "We will give blood, not land" and "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," asserting that the proposed acquisition would deprive them of their livelihood and fertile farmland.

"We have been protesting for over 500 days, and today’s blood protest reflects our resolve. We will continue our agitation until the township proposal is withdrawn," said farmer Nagaraju.

The symbolic protest marks a significant escalation in the farmers’ agitation, which has gained momentum in recent weeks. What began as sit-ins and local demonstrations has evolved into a broader movement, attracting support from several farmers’ organisations and opposition parties.

Farmer leaders warned that the protests would intensify if the government failed to withdraw the Bidadi Township proposal. They reiterated that no amount of pressure would force them to surrender their land.

The latest demonstration comes days after tensions erupted during a joint measurement survey (JMC) in the proposed project area, where agitating farmers allegedly prevented officials from conducting survey work. Following the incident, the state government temporarily suspended the survey process.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has since assured that there will be no forcible land acquisition and that compensation will be offered only to landowners willing to part with their land. He also announced the formation of a committee to examine various aspects of the project before any further decisions are made.

Despite these assurances, protesting farmers remain unconvinced. They argue that the issuance of the final land acquisition notification for nearly 4,940 acres across four villages contradicts the government’s claim that acquisition will not be forced.

"If the acquisition is truly voluntary, why issue a final notification covering thousands of acres? These actions send conflicting signals and create fear among farmers," said farmer Suma.