Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Karnataka BJP alleges Delhi control after park Bill withdrawal
The Karnataka government decided to withdraw a rule about using some park land for other development.
The rule would have allowed up to five per cent of park land to be used this way.
BJP leader R. Ashoka said the government changed course because people and the BJP opposed the rule.
He also accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of taking orders from Congress leaders in Delhi.
Ashoka said this meant the Chief Minister was not making decisions independently.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala defended the government’s actions.
Surjewala said the government listens to the people of Karnataka.
The two sides therefore gave different explanations for why the provision was withdrawn.
The Karnataka government withdrew a provision allowing five per cent of park land to be used for other development purposes.
BJP leader R. Ashoka said the withdrawal showed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was controlled by Congress leaders in Delhi.
Ashoka claimed BJP opposition and public resistance forced the government to withdraw the provision.
He criticized AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s statement that the government listens to every Kannadiga.
Surjewala defended the government, while Ashoka called the decision a “remote-controlled surrender.”
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, BJP leader R. Ashoka, and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.
- What
- The government withdrew a provision allowing five per cent of park land to be used for other development purposes.
- When
- Friday, according to the report.
- Where
- Karnataka, with the political statements made in Bengaluru and on social media platform X.
- Why
- Ashoka said BJP opposition and public resistance forced the withdrawal, while Surjewala defended the government’s response to Kannadiga concerns.
Congress government’s defense
Karnataka BJP’s criticism
Reason for withdrawal
Congress government’s defense
Randeep Singh Surjewala defended the government and said it listens to every Kannadiga.
Karnataka BJP’s criticism
R. Ashoka said BJP opposition and sustained public resistance forced the government to withdraw the provision.
Chief Minister’s independence
Congress government’s defense
The government’s defense presented the withdrawal as a response to public concerns.
Karnataka BJP’s criticism
Ashoka alleged that D.K. Shivakumar was acting on directions from the Congress high command in Delhi rather than making independent decisions.
Public concerns over green spaces
Congress government’s defense
Surjewala’s comments emphasized that the government listens to the people of Karnataka.
Karnataka BJP’s criticism
Ashoka said the government initially ignored concerns about Bengaluru’s green spaces and acted only after facing opposition.
- Withdrawn provision
- A provision allowing five per cent of park land to be used for other development purposes.
- Government action
- The Karnataka government withdrew the provision.
- BJP response
- R. Ashoka claimed BJP opposition and public resistance led to the withdrawal.
- Chief Minister criticized
- D.K. Shivakumar was described by Ashoka as a “remote-controlled” and “dummy” Chief Minister.
- Congress response
- Randeep Singh Surjewala said the Congress government listens to every Kannadiga.
- Alleged influence
- Ashoka alleged that Congress leaders in Delhi, including Rahul Gandhi, directed the Chief Minister.