JD(S) Launches Protest March Against Land Acquisition for GBIT Project in Bengaluru

The Janata Dal (Secular) has begun a three-day protest march in Bengaluru against the acquisition of farmers' land for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township project. Led by Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the march aims to unite voices against government actions perceived as favoring real estate interests. With slogans emphasizing farmers' rights, the protest highlights ongoing tensions between the JD(S) and the ruling Congress. As the Karnataka Assembly's monsoon session approaches, the coalition partners are rallying support to address land acquisition issues, asserting that the farmers' struggle is genuine and vital for their livelihoods.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 07:34 IST

JD(S) Initiates Three-Day March Against Land Acquisition

Bengaluru, August 9 - The Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) commenced a three-day foot march on Sunday, opposing the acquisition of farmers' land for the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project, with support from its coalition partner, the BJP. According to party sources, the march began at Bayaramangala near Bidadi and will conclude at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the president of the JD(S) youth wing, is leading the initiative.

Leaders, workers, and supporters from both parties participated in this approximately 38-kilometer journey, which will end in Bengaluru. JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy flagged off the march at Bayaramangala alongside opposition leader R. Ashok and other prominent figures.

Protesters chanted slogans like 'Namma Bhoomi, Namma Hakku' (Our Land, Our Rights), accusing the government of favoring real estate interests, attempting to secure commissions, and suppressing farmers by entangling them in false cases. Previously, both the BJP and JD(S) had announced separate protest marches against the proposed project from Bidadi to Bengaluru.

However, a recent meeting between leaders of both coalition parties led to a decision to conduct a joint protest regarding land acquisition issues, both inside and outside the legislature. The Karnataka Assembly's monsoon session is set to commence on August 13. The state government has established a high-level committee, chaired by retired High Court Justice Guhanathan Narendar, to review various opinions and suggestions concerning the GBIT project.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within 30 days. BJP and JD(S) leaders criticized the ruling Congress for full-page advertisements in newspapers that labeled the protest as a penance march. Addressing the demonstrators, Ashok referred to it as a final warning to the corrupt government.

He stated that governments that act against farmers do not remain in power for long. Ashok warned the government and the Chief Minister that they would face consequences if they remained obstinate. He emphasized that farmers have been protesting for over 500 days.

This is not a fabricated movement; rather, farmers and their families are fighting to protect their rights and livelihoods. Kumaraswamy asserted that the JD(S) is not conducting the march for political gain but is advocating for the farmers of the district that gave them their political identity.