CM Siddaramaiah drops land acquisition bid for defence and aerospace park in Devanahalli after ‘historic farmers protest’

Noting the scale of the agitation, the chief minister said it was one of the most “significant and historic” protests against land acquisition in recent memory in Karnataka.

Chairing a high-level meeting with government officials, farmer unions, land owners and land rights activists at Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah said the state government had decided to scrap the final notification for land acquisition and would only proceed with land purchases from willing farmers, offering them compensation above the guidance value and developed plots in return.

“The government respects the sentiments and livelihoods of the farmers. Land will be acquired only from those who voluntarily come forward, and they will be provided better compensation and more developed land parcels,” he said during a press briefing following the meeting.

On Saturday, representatives of various farmers’ organisations from Channarayapatna hobli met Siddaramaiah at his official residence, and expressed willingness to part with 449 acres of land. They had urged the chief minister to ensure fair and appropriate compensation for the land to be acquired.

He added that farmers who choose to retain their land and continue agricultural activities will be allowed to do so without any hindrance.

Have to respect farmers’ demands: Siddaramaiah

Located on the outskirts of Bengaluru and in close proximity to the Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli had been earmarked for a major industrial push. The original proposal included setting up an aerospace and defence park over 1,777 acres, which the local farming community stiffly resisted.

Siddaramaiah acknowledged the importance of industrial development in the state but stressed that development must not come at the cost of farmers’ rights.

“This is a fertile agricultural region. The farmers here are heavily dependent on this land for livelihood. Given the scale and intensity of the protests, we have decided to respect their demands,” he said.

The chief minister admitted that shelving the project could result in the proposed aerospace park moving to a different location, but reiterated that the government was committed to standing by the farmers.

Bid to consolidate Karnataka’s role in aerospace sector

Karnataka is a national leader in the aerospace and defence sector, contributing nearly 65 per cent to the country’s output and ranking third globally in this domain. The state is home to major industry giants such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Safran, Boeing, Airbus, Collins, and Lockheed Martin, with a well-established aerospace park already operating near the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli.

To further consolidate its strategic advantage, the Karnataka government felt the need for an additional aerospace and defence park in the region. With neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu aggressively expanding their industrial base by offering large parcels of land at subsidised rates, the government believed the state would risk losing its edge in this high-value sector.

Therefore, it pushed for strengthening infrastructure around Bengaluru, particularly in proximity to the international airport, since it is essential for ensuring that the state retains its leadership and continues to drive innovation, manufacturing, and employment in the aerospace and defence industries.

“Isolated movements cannot help us achieve the target. We can win only by uniting. This victory is creating a new optimism. They have fought for 1,198 days. They tried to lure the farmers, even harassed them but they didn’t budge. There were attempts to scuttle this from various vested interests, but Siddaramaiah has managed to get it done. Even then, artists, progressives, writers, and others united in this fight. I would like to congratulate everyone, said Guruprasad Keragodu, a Dalit leader.

Actor Prakash Raj, who has been part of the protest, said, “This is, above all, a monumental victory for our farmers. The farming community has delivered a powerful message to society by steadfastly holding onto their land, no matter the challenges. What began as a protest has transformed into a historic movement, demonstrating the unyielding spirit of our farmers.”

He added, “This is a vital lesson for society and a precedent for the future. It took three years of relentless struggle, but this victory shows that true democracy thrives when people unite and hold their leaders accountable. Regardless of who holds power, this movement underscores the importance of sustained public pressure to ensure justice.”