Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly refuted allegations of government involvement in the recent stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. He has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the tragedy for political advantage, asserting that his government acted swiftly and decisively in response to the incident.
Siddaramaiah clarified that the government did not organize the event, emphasizing that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) extended the invitation to him and the Governor. He stated he was only present at the Vidhan Soudha event, where he met the cricketers, and was not involved in the stadium celebrations. He stressed that the permission sought for the felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha did not initially come to him for clearance, but he approved it upon being informed by officials.
The Chief Minister expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the incident had marred the joy of RCB's victory. He revealed that he was only informed of the deaths at 5:45 PM, despite the first death being recorded at a hospital at 3:50 PM. Expressing his displeasure with the police's handling of security, Siddaramaiah said he had initiated action against those found responsible.
In the aftermath of the stampede, the state government has taken swift action, including the suspension of five police officers, the transfer of the intelligence chief, and the dismissal of the Chief Minister's political secretary. Siddaramaiah defended these measures, asserting they were necessary to address the negligence that contributed to the congestion around the stadium. He refuted claims that Police Commissioner B Dayananda was being made a scapegoat.
The BJP has strongly criticized the state government, alleging criminal negligence and accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of prioritizing photo opportunities over public safety. The opposition party has demanded accountability and called for a compensation of ₹1 crore for each deceased victim. BJP leaders have also questioned the decision to continue celebrations even after the initial deaths were reported.
Responding to the criticism, Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy. He stated that the BJP is making false allegations and telling lies. He also questioned the BJP's motives, pointing out that they had previously criticized the Home Minister for denying permission for a procession of players in an open bus, accusing the government of depriving fans of seeing their favorite players.
The Chief Minister has announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident, vowing to take appropriate action against those found guilty. He has also announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured free treatment for the injured.
Siddaramaiah has rejected calls for political accountability and denied that the incident has cast a black mark on his government. He questioned whether anyone had resigned over deaths during the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. He also dismissed suggestions that the Congress high command had sought a report on the subject.
