Did BJP Call the K'taka Stampede a Result of Negligence?
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Synopsis
In a recent assembly session, Karnataka BJP leaders highlighted the tragic June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives during IPL celebrations, labeling it negligence rather than an accident. They demand accountability from the state government, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. The debate raises critical questions about public safety and political responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP blames negligence for the stampede.
- Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka demands accountability.
- 11 lives lost during IPL victory celebration.
- Calls for improved crowd management protocols.
- Government's awareness questioned by opposition.
Bengaluru, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP on Tuesday stated that the tragic stampede on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives during the IPL victory celebration in Bengaluru, was not merely an accident but a grave case of negligence.
R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition, made these comments while addressing an adjournment motion related to the incident in the Assembly.
He emphasized that he would present evidence proving that both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, who claimed ignorance about the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium, were actually aware of it from the outset.
"I am not exploiting the stampede tragedy for political gain; I express this with genuine sorrow. This situation is not comparable to any other corruption case or scam. The mothers of the deceased children and their families deserve justice. As someone who has been a sportsperson for 20 years, I feel their pain," Ashoka declared.
He pointed out that civil society demands prioritization of discussion regarding the tragedy, which claimed 11 lives, to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the state. "This is the first incident of this nature that Karnataka has experienced," he added.
Ashoka described the event as a total breakdown of crowd management and public safety measures, questioning, "Who authorized the celebrations? Who established the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)? How was traffic managed? Were medical resources prepared? Were entry and exit points marked? Were barricades in place? Were ambulances on standby? Were any directives issued regarding these matters?"
He noted, "RCB claims the government invited them, and they obliged. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) asserts the government was responsible for crowd management. The High Court is demanding the SOP for the event."
Ashoka insisted that charges of negligence leading to death should have been filed. "This is not simply an accident; it is negligence. It reflects a clear lack of leadership. I cannot comprehend what the CM and Dy CM were doing," he stated.
Criticizing the IPL, Ashoka remarked, "The T20 cricket format is a recent trend. Players are auctioned in the IPL, earning in crores, but contribute nothing back to society. What positive impact has the IPL had? Numerous individuals have taken their own lives due to its influence."
He claimed that the majority of those betting during the IPL are from the underprivileged sections of society. "My own cook resorted to theft to fund his betting activities. People are losing their homes and ending their lives because of betting losses. Wagers are placed on every ball bowled, with hundreds of crores at stake for each delivery," he alleged.
Ashoka accused the Congress-led government of attempting to take credit for the IPL victory celebrations. "After witnessing the celebrations following the IPL final win, the government sought to gain political advantage. A letter was sent to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner regarding the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium, but now the government claims ignorance," he said.
He further stated that letters were also sent to the DCP and the Circle Inspector. "I am presenting these letters as my initial piece of evidence. RCB corresponded with the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), and the DPAR Secretary marked the correspondence as very important. You (the government) authorized the celebrations. Without directives from the CM and Dy CM, DPAR could not have permitted the events," he charged.
Ashoka also mentioned tweets from RCB, stating, "When it comes to financial matters, RCB ensures meticulous operations, yet they conveniently overlooked the safety of thousands of attendees. If the government had taken even five minutes to consider the situation on June 4, this tragedy could have been averted."
He added that directions were issued from the Chief Minister’s Office to RCB and DNA (the event management company) for preparations. "This has been documented in Justice Michael D’Cunha’s report on the tragedy. RCB and DNA have also submitted these communications to the court," Ashoka concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the balance between reporting on political accountability and public safety concerns. The tragic stampede underscores the necessity for stringent safety measures at events, especially those involving large crowds. While political motivations may color the discourse, the core message is the imperative for leadership that prioritizes citizen safety above all else.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the June 4 stampede in Bengaluru?
The stampede was attributed to poor crowd management and a lack of safety protocols during the IPL victory celebration.
How many lives were lost in the stampede?
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
What are the demands from the BJP regarding the incident?
The BJP is demanding accountability from the state government and improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
How did the government respond to the incident?
The government claimed ignorance about the event's organization, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
What was the role of RCB in the IPL celebrations?
RCB stated that they were invited by the government to manage the celebrations and crowd control.
