G Parameshwara Questions 'One-Upmanship' After Tejasvi Surya's Detention in Bengaluru
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has publicly criticized the detention of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya by Bengaluru police, framing it as an unnecessary escalation in political tensions. The incident occurred on February 9, 2026, when Surya attempted to stage a protest against the ruling Congress government's proposed hike in metro fares, a move that has sparked widespread public debate and opposition.
Details of the Detention and Release
Tejasvi Surya was briefly detained by law enforcement officials in Bengaluru as he prepared to lead another demonstration targeting the state government's metro fare increase plans. According to police reports, the detention was a preventive measure to maintain public order and prevent potential disruptions in the city. Surya was released shortly afterward, but the event has ignited a fresh wave of political controversy in Karnataka.
In his response, G Parameshwara expressed bewilderment at what he termed "one-upmanship" in the political arena. "Why is this one-upmanship going on?" he questioned, suggesting that such actions detract from substantive policy discussions. Parameshwara emphasized that he had previously advised Surya to conduct his protests at designated locations like Freedom Park, a common site for political rallies in Bengaluru, to avoid confrontations with authorities.
Political Context and Metro Fare Hike Controversy
The proposed metro fare hike has become a flashpoint in Karnataka politics, with the BJP and other opposition groups accusing the Congress-led government of burdening commuters amid economic challenges. Tejasvi Surya, a prominent BJP figure and MP from Bengaluru South, has been at the forefront of these protests, leveraging the issue to rally public support and criticize the administration's policies.
G Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader and Deputy CM, defended the government's stance, arguing that fare adjustments are necessary for maintaining and improving metro services. However, he acknowledged the public's concerns and called for a more collaborative approach to addressing them. "We are open to dialogue, but protests should be conducted in a lawful manner," he stated, reiterating his suggestion for using Freedom Park as a protest venue.
Broader Implications for Karnataka Governance
This incident highlights the ongoing political friction in Karnataka, where issues like infrastructure funding and public transportation costs are increasingly politicized. Analysts note that such detentions and protests could influence public opinion ahead of future elections, with both parties seeking to capitalize on the metro fare debate.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are urging for calm and constructive engagement. The metro fare hike proposal remains under review, and the government has indicated it will consider feedback from all sides before finalizing any decisions. In the meantime, the exchange between G Parameshwara and Tejasvi Surya underscores the deep-seated rivalries and strategic maneuvering that define contemporary Karnataka politics.
