Bengaluru, May 16 -- Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) National President HD Deve Gowda on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government in Karnataka over the Bidadi township issue, alleging that a powerful "land mafia" is actively operating in the state under political patronage.

The veteran leader revealed that he has written to Congress top brass Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighting the active presence of the land mafia in Karnataka.

Speaking on the controversies surrounding the planned Bidadi integrated township project, the JD(S) supremo invoked his deep-rooted emotional connection with the region.

"I was elected and became the Chief Minister from Ramanagara...