Bengaluru, June 15 -- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday dismissed allegations of a "land mafia" involvement in the Bidadi township project, terming the criticism as politically motivated and misplaced.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister emphasised that the project is aimed at urban development rather than private gain, drawing parallels to large-scale infrastructure initiatives in neighbouring states.

"I don't want to give an answer to anyone. Now, Maharashtra is acquiring 80,000 acres to develop a new township. Telangana is developing a new township on 40,000 acres," Shivakumar stated.

The Chief Minister clarified that the project was not his personal initiative but a continuation of long-standing development plan...