BJP and JDS slam BDA over death of 15 lakh saplings in Bengaluru

Opposition parties in Bengaluru have strongly criticized the Karnataka state government and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) following reports that 15 lakh saplings planted during a Guinness World Record-winning drive have withered away due to a complete lack of maintenance.

The mass plantation drive, which took place during Kempe Gowda Jayanti, has drawn sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)). The opposition groups accused the Congress-led government of executing a costly public relations stunt at the expense of taxpayers and corporate donors.

The BDA had partnered with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local citizens to plant the 15 lakh saplings within a 12-hour window. The initiative was widely publicized as a landmark effort to enhance Bengaluru's green cover while securing a spot in the Guinness World Records. However, shortly after the record was achieved, the saplings allegedly died due to flawed planting methods and zero post-plantation care.

The JD(S) criticized the initiative on social media, labeling the event "a Guinness World Record for the fastest scam." The party alleged that the drive was merely a massive photo opportunity for the BDA, resulting in the waste of ₹88 crore in taxpayer money and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The opposition party questioned whether the project was a genuine "Green Vision" or "greenwashing" designed to fill pockets without any real accountability.

Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra also targeted the ruling Congress government over the issue. In a statement on X, Vijayendra stated that the government planted the saplings, secured the world record, held press conferences to praise its own efforts, and then abandoned the plants once the media attention shifted.