Is Karnataka BJP Exploiting the Stampede Tragedy?

Bengaluru, June 17 (NationPress) In response to the Karnataka BJP's protest on Tuesday regarding the tragic stampede on June 4 that resulted in the loss of 11 lives in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accused the party of engaging in politics over dead bodies.

While addressing the media after the 'Parisara Nadige (March for Environment)' event, which was co-hosted by the Forest Department and the Karnataka Pollution Control Board, Shivakumar remarked, "The BJP is exploiting this tragedy for political gain. Should I list the deceased from their tenure? What transpired during their governance?"

He continued, "The Congress party does not aim to politicize tragedies. This is a natural disaster, which we unequivocally condemn. Their protest stems from a desire to reclaim relevance, as their political foundation has crumbled."

Shivakumar asserted, "Aside from this, there is no substance. No ordinary citizen or social activist will support them. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the guilty parties. We have also established a One-Man Commission; any concerns the BJP might have should be directed to that commission."

He challenged, "The BJP has consistently played politics over tragedies. Numerous stampedes have occurred across the nation. I visited the Ahmedabad plane crash site; did I assign blame there? What about the stampedes reported at railway stations and temples in Uttar Pradesh and North India?"

"Countless lives have been lost during religious events; who is accountable for these occurrences? I have previously stated: If you are powerful, you will attract more enemies; if you are less powerful, you will have fewer enemies. Without strength, there are no enemies," he continued in response to a query.

"They fear our resurgence, and you will witness us reclaiming power in Karnataka in 2028," asserted Shivakumar. When queried about potentially taking the oaths as Chief Minister, he stated that the "Congress government will prevail."

Regarding the environmental initiative, Shivakumar noted, "This event, organized by the Forest Department and the Pollution Control Board, coincides with World Environment Day. Although celebrated on June 5, today's event promotes the message of banning plastic. It aims to conserve water and protect the environment, with over 5,000 children participating in a march around the Vidhana Soudha to raise public awareness."

"I have already advocated for the establishment of climate clubs in all schools. We must cultivate awareness for environmental conservation, and every student should adopt a tree. Currently, 50,000 students have joined the tree adoption program. Protecting our green cover is essential for our survival," Shivakumar stated.

Shivakumar actively participated in the march alongside schoolchildren, holding a placard and riding a bicycle. Minister for Forest Eshwar Khandre, Congress MLA, and P. M. Narendraswamy, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, were also present at the event.