'BJP Extending Only Symbolic Support': BY Vijayendra Says Protest Against Bidadi Township Losing Momentum

Published 9 August 2026 · local

News india 'BJP Extending Only Symbolic Support': BY Vijayendra Says Protest Against Bidadi Township Losing Momentum 'BJP Extending Only Symbolic Support': BY Vijayendra Says Protest

News india 'BJP Extending Only Symbolic Support': BY Vijayendra Says Protest Against Bidadi Township Losing Momentum 'BJP Extending Only Symbolic Support': BY Vijayendra Says Protest Against Bidadi Township Losing Momentum Published By, Edited By Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 22:23 IST Vijayendra said that farmers who had participated in the protests were now accepting compensation from the state government in exchange for giving up their land for the project. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra (Photo: PTI/File) A candid exchange between Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra and Minister Madhu Bangarappa has raised questions over the BJP’s commitment to the ongoing agitation against the proposed Bidadi Township project, even as the BJP and JDS are jointly undertaking a three-day padayatra from Bidadi to Bengaluru.

Vijayendra and Bangarappa were on the same stage at the Shikaripura Taluk Office for a meeting on the drought situation in Shivamogga. Before the official proceedings began, the two leaders were seen having an informal conversation about the BJP-JDS protest against the township project. Bangarappa asked Vijayendra whether the padayatra against the Bidadi Township was still being held. Vijayendra replied that the protest was on, but was heard saying that the BJP was extending only “symbolic" support to the JDS-led agitation. Bangarappa then asked whether that was all. Vijayendra went on to say that farmers who had participated in the protests were now accepting compensation from the state government in exchange for giving up their land for the project.

When Bangarappa asked how much land had been given up, Vijayendra said he did not know the percentage but reiterated that farmers were accepting compensation. Bangarappa then asked whether the movement against the Bidadi Township was losing strength. “Yes. Definitely," Vijayendra replied. The exchange has gained significance as the BJP and JDS have launched a joint three-day padayatra from Bidadi to Bengaluru against the proposed township project. The agitation has been projected as a united opposition by the two parties to the government’s plan. Vijayendra’s remarks that the BJP’s participation was only symbolic and that the farmers’ movement had weakened could raise questions over the extent of the BJP’s commitment to the agitation and the unity between the two opposition parties on the Bidadi Township issue.