Karnataka withdraws controversial Parks Amendment Bill after massive backlash

In this debate on Super Six, BJP spokesperson Bhaskar Rao and Congress spokesperson Bhavya Narasimhamurthy clash over the Karnataka government's decision to withdraw a proposed amendment affecting public park land in Bengaluru. Bhaskar Rao asserts that public uproar and BJP-led opposition forced a hasty retreat, stating, 'This Congress government has proposed. People of Bangalore have disposed. This government was under the mistaken assumption that parks are vacant government lands.' He accuses the ruling administration of pushing unscientific projects and neglecting public transport infrastructure. Defending the move, Bhavya Narasimhamurthy maintains that rolling back the amendment reflects a citizen-friendly democracy that listens to public sentiment and balances development with ecological concerns. Anchor Akshata questions both political representatives on infrastructure priorities and governance in Bengaluru.

Torrential rainfall in Delhi and the National Capital Region has disrupted normal life, triggering severe traffic snarls, waterlogging on major roads, and chaos at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Flight operations at the airport were hampered with mass flight diversions and delays after water flooded the entrance and forecourt of Terminal 3, forcing passengers to wade through water. The India Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will continue across the national capital region. Following viral videos of the waterlogging, Delhi Airport authorities issued a statement confirming that water accumulated in the approach road and forecourt areas due to heavy afternoon downpours, adding that the accumulated water was cleared shortly after.

The Karnataka government faces scrutiny over a series of policy decisions and controversies across the state. The administration withdrew the 5 percent park bill following public protests at Lalbagh and Cubbon Park in Bengaluru. In addition, Minister Nagendra had to step down amid political pressure and protests by the BJP and JD(S) over the Valmiki scam. Further scrutiny surrounds the withdrawal of a proposed woman minister's induction into the state cabinet, legal questions regarding the Bidadi Township project amid farmer opposition, and an ongoing probe into the KPSC recruitment scam.

Delhi Police officials have reached Bulandshahr to question accused Swatantra Bahuguna following controversial remarks made during a podcast interview. Delegates including Nishu Azad, Chandrashekhar Azad, Saurabh Das, and Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress representatives held discussions with the police. Protesters and delegates have demanded the addition of non-bailable charges, including attempt to murder and sections under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, to the initial First Information Report. Police have assured that missed points will be incorporated through due legal procedures and relevant evidence, such as podcast recordings and medical records of Sanjay Azad, will be re-examined. Political reactions have intensified, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offering support and questioning the central leadership regarding the prevailing law and order situation, while political links mentioned by the accused in the podcast face heightened scrutiny.