Nikhil seeks MB Patil’s apology, threatens defamation suit over Bidadi land claim

Nikhil seeks apology, threatens defamation suit in Bidadi land rowTimes News Network Filed by Santosh/ Cleared by manuBengaluru: The political row over the proposed Bidadi Township project intensified on Wednesday, with JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy demanding a public apology from Industries Minister M B Patil and threatening a defamation suit over his claim that the Kumaraswamy family owns 100 acres in the project area.The controversy erupted after Patil alleged that former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy’s wife, Anitha Kumaraswamy, owned 100 acres in Bidadi. Rejecting the claim, Nikhil challenged the minister to prove it.“If M B Patil proves that our family owns 100 acres in the area, I will bow before him. Otherwise, he must publicly apologise. If he fails to do so, we will file a defamation case,” Nikhil said.Backing her son, former MLA Anitha Kumaraswamy said she owned only 32 acres in Bidadi and warned of legal action if false allegations persisted.“Dragging family members into political controversies and spreading false information for political gain does not befit anyone. If baseless allegations continue against me and my family, I will respond through legal means,” she said in a post on X.Facing criticism, Patil expressed regret and said his remarks were based on discussions in political circles.“If there is no such extent of land, that clarification settles the matter. I have no personal animosity towards Anitha. If my statement has hurt her, I express my regret,” he said.Nikhil, however, said regret was not enough and reiterated his demand for an unconditional public apology from the minister.