Bengaluru, Karnataka: A fresh civic controversy has erupted in Malleshwaram after a banner crediting local BJP MLA Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan was put up at Ane Park (Elephant Park)—a public space that was recently cleaned and restored by local residents and civic volunteers with support from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
The clean-up initiative was spearheaded by active community members and volunteers who dedicated their time to clear garbage, maintain green spaces, and revamp the park’s amenities for the neighborhood. However, the sudden appearance of a prominent banner carrying the MLA’s photo and name, allegedly claiming credit for the cleanup drive, has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and civic activists.
Social media users and neighborhood groups expressed frustration over politicians hijacking community-led efforts for political mileage without contributing to the physical groundwork. Critics are demanding the immediate removal of the banner, calling on elected representatives to respect citizen-driven initiatives rather than using them for self-promotion. Neither the MLA’s office nor local civic authorities have officially issued a response regarding the banner’s placement.
Malleshwara Ane Park was recently cleaned by Residents , Volunteers with GBA support All of a sudden local BJP MLA AshwathNarayana puts up banner with his name, claiming the work🥲 https://t.co/46tWFUNSOf
— Vijeth Kumar (@Kuma50531Kumar) October 27, 2026