The Karnataka BJP criticized the Congress government, claiming that the Rs 54-crore ‘Green Bengaluru’ plantation initiative has failed, leading to the drying up of thousands of saplings due to poor maintenance. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar led a massive urban greening effort in Bengaluru, planting 15 lakh saplings in just 12 hours, setting a Guinness World Records title to combat the Urban Heat Island effect. This initiative coincided with the 517th birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.
Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka shared photos alleging dried-up saplings and accused the government of focusing on publicity rather than proper implementation. The BJP criticized the government for reportedly neglecting the saplings post-launch, leaving them near drains without adequate care, resulting in their death. Ashoka accused CM Shivakumar of prioritizing photo ops over effective project execution.
The BJP questioned the government’s strategy, accusing it of announcing grand projects, spending heavily on publicity, but failing in implementation. It raised doubts about the government’s ability to handle major projects if it couldn’t maintain a tree plantation drive. Ashoka also targeted Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, for not living up to their environmental protection and governance rhetoric in Karnataka. He demanded transparency on fund usage for sapling maintenance and accountability for the reported drive failure.
