The Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent IPL victory sparked immense celebrations across Karnataka, but the short notice of the felicitation event led to unforeseen challenges, compounded by a tragic stampede. Following the team's historic win against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, the Karnataka government organized a state-level felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday. However, the sudden announcement and the players' prior commitments created a logistical crunch.
According to reports, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmed, addressed concerns regarding the short notice. He explained that the scale of the crowd was unexpected and that "nobody could have visualised it." Ahmed further stated that the limited time frame was due to the players' pre-existing commitments, with many scheduled to leave the country that very night. He emphasized that the team insisted on participating in the celebrations before their departure, as RCB is a Bengaluru-based team.
The decision to proceed with the event, despite the time constraints, drew criticism, especially after a stampede occurred at both Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Opposition parties, including the BJP, have accused the Congress-led state government of poor planning and inadequate crowd control measures. BJP leaders alleged that the government prioritized publicity over public safety, leading to the tragic incident. They have demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter and called for accountability from the Chief Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while en route to the hospital to visit the injured, responded to the BJP's criticism, stating, "They are there to allege, and we are there to protect." He also apologized for the overcrowding, noting that despite deploying over 5,000 personnel, the crowd was "uncontrollable." Shivakumar explained that authorities refrained from using excessive force due to the youthful nature of the crowd.
The planned victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium was ultimately canceled due to traffic concerns and logistical challenges. Bengaluru Central MP and BJP leader PC Mohan criticized the government's "poor planning," questioning why a victory parade couldn't be organized effectively despite the time available.
Instead of the parade, a felicitation event was held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, with entry restricted to pass holders. However, the large crowds that gathered outside the stadium led to chaotic scenes. The Bengaluru police issued a traffic advisory, urging the public to avoid the areas around Vidhana Soudha and the stadium due to heavy congestion.
Despite the controversies and the tragic stampede, the Karnataka government proceeded with the felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha. Governor Taawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar honored the RCB team with traditional Mysuru peta, shawls, and garlands.
The events surrounding RCB's victory celebration highlight the challenges of organizing large-scale public events on short notice. While the government aimed to honor the team's achievement and share the joy with fans, the lack of adequate planning and crowd control measures resulted in a tragic outcome. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety and carefully considering logistical constraints when organizing such events, even amidst celebratory fervor.
