Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Shivakumar Answers Karnataka Bill ‘U-Turn’ Criticism With ‘S-Turn’
D.K. Shivakumar said people criticized his government for changing its decision on a parks bill.
The Opposition called the change a “U-turn.”
Shivakumar jokingly called it an “S-turn” and said people gave him the strength to change direction.
He said protecting public interest was more important than saving face.
He also said the BJP could hold more marches, but voters had already given their verdict.
B. Nagendra resigned so the government would not be embarrassed, according to Shivakumar.
Shivakumar said Nagendra was still a leader.
The government will ask political parties for their opinions before deciding how Karnataka should respond to the Kasturirangan report.
D.K. Shivakumar defended withdrawing the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Amendment Bill.
He said public interest and public opinion mattered more than government prestige.
Shivakumar mocked the BJP’s planned padayatra and said voters had already delivered their verdict.
He said B. Nagendra resigned to prevent embarrassment to the government but remained a leader.
The state will consult political parties before responding to the Centre on the Kasturirangan report.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Opposition, the BJP, and B. Nagendra.
- What
- Shivakumar defended withdrawing the Government Parks (Preservation) Amendment Bill and discussed the BJP’s padayatra, Nagendra’s resignation, and the Kasturirangan report.
- When
- Friday; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- Bagalkot, Karnataka.
- Why
- Shivakumar said the bill was withdrawn because public interest and public opinion were more important than prestige.
Karnataka Government’s Position
Opposition and BJP Criticism
Withdrawal of the parks bill
Karnataka Government’s Position
Shivakumar said the withdrawal was based on public interest and public opinion, not a matter of prestige.
Opposition and BJP Criticism
The Opposition characterized the government’s change of position as a “U-turn.”
BJP padayatra
Karnataka Government’s Position
Shivakumar said the BJP could undertake additional yatras but claimed the people had already delivered their verdict.
Opposition and BJP Criticism
The BJP was conducting or planning a padayatra to challenge the state government.
Kasturirangan report
Karnataka Government’s Position
The state government said it would consult all political parties and protect Karnataka’s interests.
Opposition and BJP Criticism
The BJP would be consulted because it is in power at the Centre, while the article does not state its specific position on the report.
- Bill
- Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Amendment Bill
- Government position
- Shivakumar said withdrawing the bill was justified by public interest and public opinion.
- Opposition criticism
- The Opposition described the withdrawal as a “U-turn.”
- BJP campaign
- The BJP was undertaking or planning a padayatra, which Shivakumar said could continue.
- B. Nagendra
- Shivakumar said Nagendra resigned to avoid embarrassing the government but remained a leader.
- Kasturirangan report
- Karnataka was given 60 days by the Centre to submit its views after a notification differing from the state’s earlier decision.
- Consultation
- The state government plans to seek all political parties’ opinions, including the BJP’s.