Did the Karnataka Government Fail to Prevent the Bengaluru Stampede?
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Synopsis
On June 8, the BJP's Karnataka unit protested against the government’s negligence in handling the Bengaluru stampede tragedy. With 11 lives lost, leaders criticized the administration's focus on events rather than the victims' families, demanding accountability and compensation.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP's Karnataka unit protested against the state government over the Bengaluru stampede.
- 11 lives were lost due to inadequate security measures.
- Opposition leaders criticized CM Siddaramaiah for focusing on events rather than the victims' families.
- Calls for a thorough investigation and accountability are being made.
- Compensation has been proposed for the victims' families.
Bengaluru, June 8 (NationPress) The BJP's Karnataka unit organized a protest on Sunday against the state government following the tragic Bengaluru stampede that resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
The protest was led by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, who gathered before the Mahatma Gandhi statue located within the grounds of Vidhana Soudha.
Participating in the demonstration were former Deputy Chief Minister C. N. Ashwath Narayan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and other prominent members.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka asserted that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had not been embroiled in a “power struggle”, the tragic loss of young lives could have been avoided.
Highlighting the government's negligence, Ashoka criticized that instead of offering condolences to bereaved families, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar seemed more interested in photo opportunities with the trophy and athletes.
“The police had alerted them about the first death by noon. By the time the event commenced, eight young lives had already been lost, yet the program proceeded, indicating that these leaders possess hearts of stone,” Ashoka remarked.
“On June 4, 2025, Vidhana Soudha police communicated with the Chief Secretary, explicitly stating that the event was rushed, and due to a shortage of personnel, security measures would be compromised. They even recommended canceling the event,” he continued.
“Despite the police’s directive that department staff and their families should not attend, families were present. Furthermore, the requirement for CCTV cameras was overlooked, and drones, which were prohibited, were used,” he noted.
“The government ignored all these warnings. The guideline to limit the stage to 20-30 individuals was grossly violated, with 200 individuals, including 11 players, present on stage,” he emphasized.
Even though the event was formally designated as a government program, CM Siddaramaiah claimed it was not a government event, Ashoka charged.
“Despite numerous breaches of law, police officers faced suspension in the end. Those managing traffic were penalized, and even police station personnel were dismissed,” he stated.
Ashoka called for the state government to convene a special Assembly session to address the matter.
“Three inquiries have been initiated, but it's unclear which one is legitimate. A probe by a High Court judge is essential, and we are all advocating for it,” he articulated.
“If the government is innocent, it should provide ₹1 crore as compensation. We will collectively donate one month’s salary to the victims’ families,” he added.
“Winning a trophy is not unprecedented. Such incidents have not occurred when other state teams have won trophies. No other state's chief minister has engaged in such publicity stunts at these events,” he remarked.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the pain and loss felt by the victims' families in Bengaluru. The ongoing political blame game must not overshadow the urgent need for accountability and systemic change to prevent future tragedies. The focus should be on ensuring safety and well-being for all citizens.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Bengaluru stampede?
The Bengaluru stampede was attributed to poor security arrangements and a lack of adequate planning for the event, despite warnings from the police.
How many lives were lost in the stampede?
The stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives.
Who protested against the state government?
The BJP's Karnataka unit, including leaders such as R. Ashoka and C. N. Ashwath Narayan, staged the protest.
What are the demands of the protesters?
Protesters are demanding accountability from the state government, including a special Assembly session and compensation for victims' families.
What steps are being taken for accountability?
Three inquiries have been initiated, but opposition leaders are demanding a thorough investigation led by a High Court judge.
