Following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought to distance his government from the event, stating he was merely an invitee. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to dozens more, has sparked a wave of criticism and political accusations.

Siddaramaiah clarified his position, asserting that the state government did not organize the felicitation event near Chinnaswamy Stadium. He stated that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) extended the invitation to him. Furthermore, he said that the cricket association informed him that the Governor would also be present. He emphasized that his presence was solely based on this invitation. "The secretary and treasurer of KSCA came and invited me to the event. We didn't organise the function, the KSCA did," Siddaramaiah told reporters. He added, "They also informed me that the Governor is also coming, I only went there. I don't know anything apart from that I only went there after I was invited, they didn't invite me to the stadium."

The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He called the tragedy shocking and said it erased the joy of the long-awaited victory. He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who died and assured free treatment for the injured.

In the aftermath of the stampede, the state government has taken action against several police officials for alleged dereliction of duty. The Bengaluru Police Commissioner and other top officials have been suspended. Siddaramaiah stated that he was not informed of any security arrangements for the event near Chinnaswamy stadium by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner until much later after the first death occurred.

The opposition BJP has accused the government of being responsible for the tragedy. They demanded a judicial probe, which the government has initiated. Siddaramaiah has hit back, accusing the BJP of politicizing the issue and making false allegations. He questioned why BJP leaders did not demand resignations when a larger stampede occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh under BJP rule. He also pointed out that BJP leaders in Karnataka had previously criticized the Home Minister for denying permission for a procession of players in an open bus, accusing him of depriving fans of seeing their favorite players.

Siddaramaiah also addressed the issue of MGNREGA funds, stating that the central government led by the NDA has consistently delayed the release of these funds, despite repeated letters from the state government.

The Karnataka High Court has requested the Siddaramaiah government to submit a status report on the stampede, with further hearings scheduled. The state government informed the High Court that over 1,000 police personnel were deployed at the stadium on the day of the incident. The police have registered a case suo motu, naming multiple entities as accused in the case of alleged criminal negligence.