Has the Congress High Command Endorsed the State Government's Actions Following the Stampede?

Synopsis
In light of the tragic stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in 11 fatalities, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has confirmed that the Congress high command supports the state government's response. This article delves into the measures taken and the ongoing judicial inquiry, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.
Key Takeaways
- 11 lives lost in the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Government actions include judicial inquiry and magisterial probe.
- Five police officers suspended.
- National leadership supports state government measures.
- Focus on accountability and safety in public events.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, June 10 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday that the Congress high command has given its nod to the measures implemented by the state government following the tragic stampede on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives near the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In a media briefing in the national capital after a discussion with the national leadership, CM Siddaramaiah revealed that the stampede incident was a significant topic during their meeting.
"I outlined the steps taken by the state government in response to the incident," he stated.
"I provided details on the initiation of a magisterial probe, a judicial inquiry led by a one-man commission headed by retired High Court Judge John Michael D'Cunha, the suspension of five police officers, the transfer of the state intelligence chief, and the release of the Political Secretary. The high command has endorsed our decisions. The national leadership believes that our actions regarding the stampede incident were suitable," he added.
The Congress high command expressed to Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday that while they are distressed by the stampede that claimed 11 lives, the party would refrain from interfering in the government’s operations during the judicial inquiry, as stated by General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.
Previously, Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar, who also leads the state Congress, met with the national leadership, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and party President Mallikarjun Kharge, to provide updates on the stampede amid the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebrations on June 4.
Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala was also present during the meeting.
Venugopal remarked, "We deliberated on the current political scenario, including the unfortunate and heartbreaking stampede incident in Bengaluru. The CM and Pradesh Congress Committee President briefed the leadership on the incident and the actions taken by the Karnataka government subsequently."
"We genuinely value every human life. We are a party that believes that every life matters. This unfortunate event occurred, and the Government of Karnataka has already initiated a judicial inquiry to uncover what transpired," Venugopal explained.
"Throughout the judicial inquiry, the party does not wish to get into the specifics of the matter. However, the party has a clear expectation of a pro-people stance on this issue," he added.
He also mentioned that the meeting covered discussions regarding the caste census conducted by the Karnataka government.