BJP leaders R Ashoka, Tejasvi Surya holds protest against Tunnel road project at Lalbagh

BENGALURU: BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition, Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka and MP Tejasvi Surya, held a protest at Lalbagh against the Tunnel Road project under the slogan “Save Lalbagh, Protect Bengaluru” on Sunday.

However, the protest was not permitted by the police.

The BJP members visited the location where the tunnel will pass at Lalbagh corner place.

R Ashoka and Tejasvi Surya also conducted a signature campaign against the Tunnel Road project.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, R Ashoka, is expected to interact with the locals to discuss the proposed Tunnel Road, which will allegedly pass under the Labagh.

#WATCH | Karnataka, Bengaluru | BJP leaders including LoP Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka, MP Tejasvi Surya hold a protest at Lalbagh against the tunnel road project under the slogan ‘Save Lalbagh, Protect Bengaluru’. pic.twitter.com/RmZMcPZFrI

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2025

The visit was marked by the remarks of  Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar, who reacted to MP Tejaswi Surya’s comments and said that R Ashoka, along with other senior members, should speak to the people about the tunnel project.

LoP R Ashoka also questioned the Horticulture Department if the permission for the project is required from the Central Government or the State Government. The department officials stated that it needs to be verified.

#WATCH | Karnataka, Bengaluru | BJP leaders including LoP Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka, MP Tejasvi Surya hold a protest at Lalbagh against the tunnel road project under the slogan ‘Save Lalbagh, Protect Bengaluru’. pic.twitter.com/AnaNhLuqEi

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2025

He then slammed the department for being neglectful and unaware. Further, he criticised the department, saying that the tunnel project is following a reverse order and the permission is required before calling for a tender.

“They have already called for a tender. You are supposed to get permission before calling for a tender. Here, it has been done in reverse (Ulta). You must provide the actual, true information that you have…” he said.

As per the anti-people proposed tunnel project, LoP R Ashoka will conduct a site inspection and hold discussions with the members of the Walkers Association and the public today.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Wednesday slammed DK Shivakumar, accusing him of rejecting key public transport proposals while pushing an “extremely costly” 18-kilometre Tunnel Road project, which he dubbed a “matrimonial project”. (ANI)