Why should I make a U-turn?: Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar on parks amendment Bill

Dismissing the claim that the government had been forced into a “U-turn” on the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday (September 4, 2026) defended the withdrawal, saying the decision was taken to respect public sentiment and allow for a wider discussion on the legislation.

“Why should I make a U-turn? The sentiments of the people have been respected. We will release a list of what happened during the tenures of Yediyurappa and Bommai. There should be a discussion on this. There is no intention to build a tunnel through Lalbagh.

Alternative routes will be examined,” Mr. Shivakumar, addressing the media here, said. The Bill, which sought to amend the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, had drawn intense opposition from citizen groups and the opposition BJP over the provision allowing alienation of 5% of park land to be used for public infrastructure.

The government withdrew it amid the controversy, with Mr. Shivakumar saying there was “nothing wrong in hearing their demands”. Turning his attack on the BJP while speaking on concerns raised over tunnel road, Mr. Shivakumar accused the Opposition of being “anti-development” and questioned its record on major infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.

“Even when Siddaramaiah had proposed a steel bridge earlier, the BJP opposed it. The BJP is anti-development. If Bengaluru has any curse, it is the BJP’s. Let them tell us if they started any major project of this kind during their tenure,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said tunnel roads, double-decker corridors and similar projects were necessary to address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion and “those who oppose tunnel roads should also say what their alternative is.” He also questioned the BJP’s opposition to tunnel projects in Bengaluru, referring to projects in other States.

“If that is the case, let the Opposition stop tunnel projects in Delhi and Maharashtra as well,” he said. Mr. Shivakumar reiterated that the government had no intention of taking over Lalbagh land for the proposed 16.5-km tunnel road.

“The Bill was withdrawn because we want to have a discussion. The government has no intention of taking over Lalbagh land for the tunnel road project. We are not selling parks. Land has to be transferred to provide space for the Metro,” he said, alleging that the Opposition had prevented a discussion on such issues in the Assembly.

“We know that if we discuss important issues, their (opposition parties’) failures will come to light. That is why the Opposition did not allow the session to be held,” he said. Defending the government’s handling of public land, he cited several instances in which land had earlier been provided for public infrastructure and institutions.

“Public land had earlier been given for the Metro, High Court parking and in other cases. I have already said that we should all work together. If we accept suggestions, does that mean I have made a U-turn?” he argued. On Lalbagh, he said the land under the Horticulture Department was being transferred and that special orders had been issued in the past for small parcels of land.

“When officials proposed this, approval was given. It was not done specifically for the tunnel,” he maintained.