Is the Cricket Stampede a Dark Chapter in Karnataka's History?

Bengaluru, June 10 (NationPress) The President of the Karnataka BJP, B.Y. Vijayendra, has penned an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, labeling the tragic stampede incident of June 4 as a dark chapter in Karnataka's history.

The stampede, which occurred near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in the loss of 11 lives.

“June 4th marked a dark moment for Karnataka. The reckless and irresponsible decision made by you and your administration, driven by a selfish desire to capitalize on the cricket frenzy, has tragically claimed innocent young lives. Thousands gathered endured immense suffering. The deaths of these 11 young individuals, who represented hope for their families and had dreams of a brighter future, have robbed their families of peace, leaving parents in a state of perpetual grief. The entire state still mourns this incident,” Vijayendra expressed in his letter issued on Tuesday.

“This incident in Bengaluru has tarnished Karnataka's reputation on both national and international platforms, sending a message that our state is unsafe. Your assertion that the government bears no responsibility and has no connection to this incident is a reflection of an escapist and shockingly irresponsible attitude. Your blatant clinging to power insults the ethical political traditions of Karnataka,” he criticized.

“You claim that no unfortunate events transpired at the steps of Vidhana Soudha, thus absolving the government of fault, stating that the tragedy unfolded within the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Such remarks from someone with substantial political and administrative experience raise questions about your maturity. Your comments lead those affected by the stampede to wonder if you serve as the Chief Minister for all of Karnataka or merely for Vidhana Soudha. Your tone implies that police protection extends only to you, your cabinet, your family, and your officers, but not to the common people who suffered deaths and injuries near the stadium,” he charged.

Vijayendra further criticized the Chief Minister for stating that he did not receive information about the tragedy until two hours later (from 3:50 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.), despite the incident being so close, suggesting that the administrative system had slipped from his control.

“You cannot evade responsibility with such feeble justifications... Your entire administrative apparatus, without even acknowledging the clear warning from police officials, was swept away by political excitement, eager to garner popularity from the large crowd anticipated at the cricketer felicitation event. Without assessing potential risks from managing an unplanned situation, your unilateral, dictatorial order left officials in a state of helpless compliance—this is the undeniable truth known to the entire state,” Vijayendra pointed out.

“Like 'treating a buffalo's fever by branding an ox,' you suspended five officers, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, making them scapegoats in a misguided attempt to quell public outrage. It is obvious as 'a wound on the palm' that this horrific incident arose due to the irresponsibility of you, your Deputy Chief Minister, and the Home Minister, and through the counsel of your sycophants,” he stated.

“Even now, not a single word of remorse has been uttered from your end regarding this entire incident. You are presenting the compensation announced for the families of the deceased as a significant response, as if it were a mandatory act. While your compensation cannot resurrect those valuable lives, if there is to be any semblance of justice for these unjust deaths, then you, who occupy a high position and made reckless decisions, must assume moral responsibility. Otherwise, history will never forgive you,” Vijayendra asserted.

“The High Court has taken suo motu cognizance and initiated an inquiry. You have also ordered a judicial inquiry through retired judges appointed at your discretion. You are employing a tactic of eyewash by conducting an investigation through an administrative system that falls under your control... Apart from the High Court's inquiry, the people of the state lack faith that justice will be served or that the guilty will be held accountable by any other investigation. This is because you have already demoralized the entire police force by suspending officers to retain power. The entire police system, from common constables to senior officials, has already been harmed by your decisions. It would not be surprising if the already derailed law and order situation deteriorates further in the coming days,” Vijayendra expressed.

“I urge you to recognize that it is not too late for you, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who find themselves in a compromised position in the tragic stampede incident of June 4, to reflect and consider resigning from your positions. In the annals of Karnataka politics, instances where individuals resigned out of moral responsibility when faced with accusations have been regarded as points of dignity for traditional politics,” he added.

The BJP leader concluded by noting that Chief Ministers such as late S. Nijalingappa, late Veerendra Patil, late D. Devaraj Urs, late Ramakrishna Hegde, late S. R. Bommai, H. D. Deve Gowda, late J. H. Patel, late S. M. Krishna, and B. S. Yeddyurappa, among others, have occupied the Chief Minister's chair and have earned lasting respect and affection from the people of Karnataka. “The people of Karnataka believe that this tradition should continue. Our demand is that you conduct yourself in a manner that honors this,” he emphasized.