Bidadi Township Row: Karnataka CM and Union Minister Clash Over Land Acquisition and Compensation Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy engaged in a heated exchange on Saturday, June 21, over the proposed Bidadi Township project, accusing each other of shifting positions and questioning the legitimacy of land acquisition for industrial development. The dispute centered on the project’s origins, the compensation offered to farmers, and the legal status of the land in question. Shivakumar, addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, accused Kumaraswamy of being the project’s “architect” and criticized him for changing his stance on the initiative. He claimed that Kumaraswamy had previously supported the project’s original proposal, which included offering farmers 40% of the developed land as compensation. The current government, Shivakumar stated, had increased this share to 50%, and compensation payments at a rate of Rs 2.5 crore per acre had begun distribution. The Chief Minister also asserted that the Bidadi Township project was not a new initiative of the Congress-led government. He argued that Kumaraswamy had issued the initial notification for the project, which was later continued by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. Shivakumar questioned Kumaraswamy’s opposition to the current proposal, asking why the Union Minister had previously declared the Bidadi region a “red zone” and issued the original notification if he now opposed the project. Shivakumar further accused the opposition of politicizing the issue, claiming they demanded industrial development while opposing land acquisition.#vidhana_soudha #karnataka_legislative_assembly #bidadi_township #karnataka_cm #hd_kumaraswamy
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar Embraces North-Facing Rituals, BJP Plans New HQ in Lucknow Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has adopted a unique ritual of positioning himself and his office spaces to face north, a practice rooted in his spiritual beliefs and astrological preferences. The 64-year-old leader, who assumed office on June 3, 2026, has rearranged his new administrative setup to ensure he is always oriented toward the north. This decision was emphasized during his first cabinet briefing, where he stated, “Whatever anyone does, it has to be facing north.” Shivakumar’s commitment to this practice extends beyond his personal workspace. During his swearing-in ceremony on June 4, 2026, he adhered to astrological advice by taking the oath at 4:05 pm. Following the ceremony, he entered the Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature’s headquarters, through the North gate, a symbolic gesture. Inside the building, the seating arrangements for media briefings were completely reconfigured. Previously, media personnel and officials occupied the sides closest to the entrance, but Shivakumar’s new orientation prompted a reversal of these setups, with the conference hall’s layout adjusted to prioritize north-facing positions. The practice of facing north is tied to Hindu astrology, where the direction is associated with Lord Kubera, the deity of wealth. Shivakumar, already recognized as the wealthiest MLA and sitting chief minister in the country, has embraced this symbolism. While the exact motivations behind his ritual remain unclear, his actions highlight a blend of spiritual tradition and political symbolism. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to establish a new headquarters in Lucknow, leveraging the expertise of real estate magnate Sanjay Seth.#lucknow #bharatiya_janata_party #karnataka_chief_minister #vidhana_soudha #d_k_shivakumar
Tejasvi Surya slams ‘VIP culture’ over IPL ticket row BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya launched a sharp critique of the political class on Friday, accusing them of fostering a “VIP culture” and entitlement among elected representatives. His comments came in response to the controversy surrounding Karnataka MLAs’ demand for free IPL tickets, which he framed as a reflection of deeper systemic issues. Surya described the situation as a “tragedy,” arguing that it highlighted a decay in political values. He criticized the behavior of MLAs, stating that public figures like Prasad, who had brought pride to the nation through his cricketing achievements, were being treated with disrespect. “Not for any wrongdoing. Not for any failure of duty. But simply because he did his job,” Surya said, emphasizing that such instances underscore a system where public service is overshadowed by the “brittle egos of politicians.” The BJP MP argued that the incident exposed a culture where elected officials demand privileges over accountability. “When those who have served the nation with excellence are made to stand in deference, and those in public office demand privilege over accountability, something has gone fundamentally wrong,” he stated. Surya called for systemic change, urging the removal of a political class that views power as entitlement rather than responsibility. He emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders who prioritize duty over self-interest. Surya also criticized the priorities of Karnataka MLAs, questioning their focus on securing free tickets instead of addressing public concerns. “Had the Karnataka MLAs spent time in the Vidhana Soudha discussing safety and security preparedness for IPL fans, it would have upheld the dignity of the House,” he said.#tejasvi_surya #bjp_yuva_morcha #karnataka_mlAs #vidhana_soudha #by_vijayendra
