Vidhana Soudha to Open for Public Tours from June 1
Bengaluru, May 25 (PTI): The Vidhana Soudha guided walking tours, a first-of-its-kind experience that invites the public to step inside Karnataka’s seat of legislative power, were launched on Sunday.
The initiative by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), in coordination with the Speaker's Office–Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), and the Vidhana Soudha security division, will be open to the public from June 1.
The tours will be conducted on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, and all Sundays of every month, from 8 am to 5 pm (as per the time slots listed on the KSTDC website), officials said.
An introductory ticket price of Rs 50 has been fixed for individuals aged 16 and above, while children aged 15 and below can book tickets for free.
At the launch, Speaker U T Khader said, "The Vidhana Soudha guided walking tour is a unique initiative designed to immerse citizens in the rich legacy of Karnataka’s democratic heritage. These tours stand as a testament to our commitment to transparency, civic engagement, and the preservation of our historical narrative."
Karnataka Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism, H K Patil, said, "Vidhana Soudha is the living story of our State’s democratic journey. Opening its corridors to the public is a celebration of transparency, heritage, and civic pride." The guided walking tour offers exclusive insights into the building’s historical significance, architectural marvels, and key areas within the complex. Each group will be accompanied by a trained tour guide and a Tourist Mitra (tourist police).
The 90-minute guided tour will be conducted in Kannada and English, covering an approximate distance of 1.5 km on foot.
Each slot will accommodate 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, and officials expect to host over 300 guests each day.
However, State BJP President B Y Vijayendra criticised the move, claiming the state government is facing "financial distress" and has now resorted to charging visitors to enter Vidhana Soudha.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is unable to mobilise resources for guarantee schemes or development. MLAs aren’t receiving funds for their constituencies, and as a result, the government is taking all sorts of decisions," he told reporters here.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
