BJP is playing politics while cleaning pavements, says Karnataka Chief Minister

Dumped construction materials and vehicles parked on the footpath along KH (Double Road) have forced pedestrians onto the busy road, raising safety concerns and exposing gaps in pedestrian enforcement. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday accused the BJP of adopting a “double standard” on the state government’s street vending policy, alleging that the opposition was protesting the ordinances it had earlier supported during an official meeting.

In a post on X, the chief minister recalled that during the pre-budget meeting of the five city corporations for 2026-27 held under his chairmanship on March 20, all parties unanimously agreed to introduce a new regulatory framework for street vending.

“Measures approved during the meeting included setting aside designated selling zones for registered street vendors, banning street vending on major roads, removing vending carts parked overnight on roads and introducing mandatory ID for all registered vendors,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar remarked that people are watching BJP’s hypocrisy. “Those who nodded in agreement within the four walls of the boardroom are now standing in the streets protesting for political gain,” he said.

“The government is determined to make Bengaluru’s footpaths free for pedestrians while protecting the interests of street vendors. The BJP’s attempt to use this decision for political gain is condemnable,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when the Greater Bengaluru authorities and five Bengaluru corporations are carrying out pavement cleaning.

Published – 03 Jul 2026 23:35 IST