Bengaluru, July 14 -- Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday defended the state government's proposed Bidadi Township Project, alleging that farmers are being "instigated" and protests are "politically motivated".

He also said that the Congress government is working for the interests of the farmers and will not take any action against the farmers.

"... The CM has already said that this project was initiated by whom? Kumar Swami himself has initiated this project previously and now our Chief Minister has taken it forward just in the interest of the farmers... They (farmers) are being instigated... This is a politically motivated protest... We appeal that let them go and meet the authorities. Our government is pro-farmer and pro-poo...