Karnataka Government Withdraws Controversial Parks Amendment Bill

Amid strong protests and a series of public campaigns, the DK Shivakumar-led Congress government in Karnataka has decided to withdraw the controversial Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill 2026. The key decision was approved during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, which was chaired by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The legislative amendment had sparked widespread public outcry across Bengaluru after it was passed in haste during the recently concluded monsoon session. A major point of public resistance was the state government's proposal to secure entry and exit access at the Siddapura gate of the iconic Lal Bagh to facilitate another controversial infrastructure initiative: the 17-kilometre twin tunnel road project planned between Hebbal and Central Silk Board.

Under the provisions of the contested amendment bill, up to 5 percent of park land area was allowed to be alienated to government departments, statutory bodies, and local bodies. The legislation enabled this transfer of park land to take place through gift, exchange, mortgage, sale, or lease for designated 'public projects'.

Addressing the media following the cabinet meeting on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced the decision to step back from the legislation for the time being. Parameshwara stated that the government plans to keep the draft amendment before the public for wider deliberations before taking any further legislative steps.

Explaining the government's stance, Parameshwara said, "We have decided to withdraw the Bill for now, place it in the public domain for discussion. We’ll reintroduce the Bill in the next session."

The Deputy Chief Minister also attributed the protests and campaign against the measure to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He criticized the opposition party for its conduct during the legislative process in the Assembly, pointing out that the BJP did not raise formal objections at the time.

Parameshwara remarked, "The opposition BJP had not raised objections or held a detailed discussion on the Bill in the Assembly, but instead used the issue for political purposes and created misconceptions among the public."