Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday assured that the Jayaprakash Narayan statue at JP Park will be reinstalled soon, along with comprehensive development of the park’s facilities including its swimming pool, yoga hall, gym, children’s play area, and toy train.
Speaking during the ‘Bengaluru Nadige’ initiative held at JP Park, Shivakumar interacted directly with citizens and inspected civic shortcomings in the area. He also held discussions with BBMP Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar and members of the JP Park Protection Committee to review long-pending maintenance and infrastructure issues.
“All basic infrastructure issues in JP Park — from the toy train to the gym and restrooms — will be fixed without delay. Every toilet in the park must be open and usable within two days,” Shivakumar directed BBMP officials during his inspection.
Angered by the poor condition of gym equipment, the Deputy CM reprimanded officials and sought an immediate restoration plan. He also promised to repair stormwater channels leading into the park’s lake after residents pointed out that rainwater inflow had stopped.
When citizens highlighted complaints of drug abuse and anti-social activity inside the park, Shivakumar instructed police to install CCTV cameras and deploy security personnel to monitor movements and curb illegal activity.
“Civic issues under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) can be directly reported via the 1533 helpline. I have personally recorded the park’s neglected areas and instructed immediate action,” Shivakumar said.
He reminded residents that a mobile complaint app is now available to report issues such as garbage piles or potholes, ensuring direct communication with the civic body.
Shivakumar also used the occasion to recall a personal moment — reuniting with his schoolmate Madhav Naik after 55 years. “He was my vote-counting agent during my school elections at Carmel School — a bright student in mathematics,” Shivakumar said with a smile.
Addressing media later, the Deputy CM asserted that his government has been “listening to citizens since Day One” and not just after two years in power.
“Through the ‘Sarkara Sevege Irali Sahakara’ program, we have solved thousands of grievances. I take full responsibility for Bengaluru’s development and I will do my duty,” he said.
On allegations that contractors were denied payment for 10 years over commission disputes related to JP Park, Shivakumar promised an inquiry.
“I’ve collected contact numbers of citizens who raised issues. BBMP officials will personally follow up to ensure resolution. Bengaluru’s taxpayers deserve respect and accountability,” he added.
He praised Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar as a “young and energetic officer committed to prompt problem-solving.”
Reacting to reports that MLA Munirathna attempted to obstruct the program, Shivakumar said:
“Politics seems more important to him than public service. He insulted the RSS by linking it to this citizens’ event. The walk had nothing to do with any organization. Citizens are angry with his behavior — they themselves pushed him away.”
When asked about allegations of a false assault case filed after his brother D.K. Suresh’s election loss, he replied curtly:
“There are agencies to investigate such matters. Let them go and file their complaints there.”
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