Bengaluru, May 20 -- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said he accepts Union Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy's challenge for a debate on Bidadi township.

The JDS has opposed the Bidadi township project, alleging "land mafia."

Addressing a press conference after meeting the farmers from Bidadi, Shivakumar said, "I heard that Kumaraswamy has issued a debate challenge regarding the Bidadi Township. I accept his challenge. Three days' notice is enough for me. I will be ready whenever the time is fixed. Let him decide the place and time."

According to an official release, the farmers who attended the meeting demanded that they be given plots in addition to compensation. After listening to their grievances and...