Karnataka Cabinet withdraws controversial park bill after protests and opposition

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to withdraw the controversial Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following protests by citizen groups and opposition from the BJP and JD(S) over concerns that it could lead to the diversion of public green spaces.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the government would write to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot informing him of the decision. The government plans to put the proposed amendments through wider public consultation, incorporate feedback and reintroduce the Bill in the legislature, he said.

The Bill, passed during the recent legislature session, sought to allow the government to take over up to 5% of the area of community park for public purposes. The provision triggered a campaign by citizens, particularly in Bengaluru, amid concerns that it could be used to reduce green spaces for infrastructure projects.


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The controversy intensified over fears that parts of Lalbagh, one of Bengaluru’s landmark green spaces, could be affected to facilitate a proposed tunnel road project. Citizen groups staged protests, including a symbolic demonstration at Lalbagh, opposing any move to use park land for infrastructure.

The assembly passed the Bill while the Opposition was staging a dharna demanding the removal of a minister over corruption allegations.

Parameshwara said the Opposition had politicised the legislation and created an impression that the amendments would facilitate encroachment of public spaces. “We are prepared for a debate,” he said, adding that the government would consider public feedback before bringing back the legislation.

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RAHUL GANDHI INTERVENTION

The rollback came amid internal concerns within the Congress over the public perception of the Bill. Sources said AICC leader Rahul Gandhi was appraised of reservations expressed by party members in Karnataka and advised the state government to undertake wider consultations before proceeding with the amendments.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra welcomed the decision, saying the government had been forced to withdraw what he called a “disastrous” decision. He said the Opposition would continue to oppose measures it believes are detrimental to Bengaluru and Karnataka.

Union minister Shobha Karandlaje had also recently met the Governor and urged him not to give assent to the Bill.

The government’s decision comes amid growing public scrutiny of development projects in Bengaluru and concerns over the loss of green spaces as the city expands.