Bengaluru, January 18, 2026: Farmers in Bengaluru’s Ramanagara district staged a tense sit-in protest on Saturday outside the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) office at Kandaya Bhavan, opposing the government’s land acquisition plans for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburban Project. The protest highlighted the growing unrest among local farmers, who fear losing not just their land but their livelihoods, cultural ties, and centuries-old farming heritage.

The protest was primarily led by farmers from Bhairamangala and Kanchugaranahalli gram panchayat limits, areas directly affected by the proposed suburban expansion. The farmers raised placards with slogans such as “Our land is our right, we will not give it away,” and voiced strong opposition to the project, asserting that the government had failed to consult them adequately before moving ahead with acquisition plans.

The demonstration coincided with a grievance redressal meeting organised by Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna, aimed at hearing concerns of farmers from the 26 villages identified for acquisition. Despite this effort, tensions escalated quickly as farmers reiterated their demand that the land acquisition be scrapped entirely. Many expressed skepticism that the government would address their concerns in good faith.

MLA Balakrishna attempted to pacify the protesters, stating, “This is a government project. I do not have the authority to cancel it. However, place your grievances before me. I will convey them to the government and try to find a solution.” Despite his assurances, the farmers remained unconvinced, insisting that no compensation could replace the generational connection they hold with their land.

Several protest leaders spoke to the media to underline their position. N Putta Swamy, a farmer leader from Ramanagara, emphasised the emotional and economic significance of the land, stating, “We have cultivated this land for generations. No amount of money can replace it.” Another farmer, BK Rangappa, warned of a larger agitation if the government proceeded with acquisition, saying, “If the government forces land acquisition, our protest will intensify across all affected villages.”

The protest, which lasted for several hours, saw tempers flare when Balakrishna attempted to negotiate. The MLA initially retreated inside his office as the farmers continued their dharna, chanting slogans against both the state government and their local representative. Later, Balakrishna emerged again in an attempt to calm the crowd, but the farmers remained firm in their refusal to accept any compromise short of a complete withdrawal of the land acquisition proposal.

The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburban Project, touted as a major initiative to expand Bengaluru’s urban infrastructure and suburban connectivity, involves acquiring agricultural land across multiple gram panchayats in Ramanagara and neighbouring districts. While the government has framed the project as essential for urban development and housing expansion, affected farmers argue that the plan disproportionately impacts smallholders and threatens food security and rural livelihoods.

The GBDA, responsible for the project, has maintained that the acquisition follows legal procedures and that compensation will be provided to landowners. However, farmers have rejected the idea of compensation, asserting that financial settlements cannot replace their ancestral land or the socio-cultural ecosystem that revolves around agriculture.

Agricultural experts note that land acquisition conflicts are increasingly common in India as urbanisation accelerates. “Farmers are not merely negotiating over land; they are defending their identity, economic independence, and social cohesion,” said Dr. Ramesh Chandra, an agrarian policy analyst. “Projects like these, while essential for urban growth, need to balance infrastructure development with the protection of farmers’ rights and livelihoods. Failure to do so can lead to long-term social unrest.”

The protest in Ramanagara is also politically significant. The BJP-led state government is under scrutiny for how it handles large-scale land acquisitions, especially in regions where farmers have historically resisted giving up land for urban projects. Local opposition parties and farmer unions are likely to monitor the government’s next steps closely, potentially using the protest to rally further support and amplify rural grievances.

As the day drew to a close, the farmers maintained their sit-in outside the GBDA office. Police were present to ensure law and order, but the situation remained largely peaceful, with protest leaders reiterating that they would escalate their agitation if the government failed to respond to their demands.

The outcome of the protest could influence future urban development projects in Karnataka, serving as a reminder that sustainable urban planning must take into account the rights, livelihoods, and consent of rural stakeholders. Analysts suggest that the government may need to consider alternative solutions, such as revising acquisition plans, enhancing compensation packages, or exploring land pooling models that preserve farmers’ ownership while allowing development.

For now, the sit-in protest in Ramanagara reflects a community at a crossroads—torn between the pressures of rapid urbanisation and the need to preserve traditional agrarian life. The government’s response in the coming days will determine whether tensions subside or escalate into broader rural unrest across Karnataka.