Is the Opposition Politicizing the Stampede Case? Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Responds
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Synopsis
In the wake of the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in 11 fatalities, Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah defends his administration against accusations from the opposition. He emphasizes that politicizing this tragedy is inappropriate and vows to maintain sincerity in governance. Explore the unfolding political drama surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah defends his actions following the tragic stampede.
- Criticism is directed at opposition parties for politicizing the incident.
- Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar vows to reveal the impact of Kumaraswamy's actions in the Assembly.
- Call for resignations from opposition parties highlights political tensions.
- Importance of accountability in governance emphasized amidst the tragedy.
Bengaluru, June 6 (NationPress) Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has responded to claims from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP, accusing them of making police officials scapegoats in the tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during an RCB felicitation event that claimed 11 lives. He criticized the opposition for politicizing this unfortunate incident.
Speaking to reporters, the CM stated: “I will not politicize this case.”
“We have taken action against those who appeared to have neglected their duties,” Siddaramaiah emphasized.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while condemning Kumaraswamy's remarks regarding the stampede, asserted that he would disclose in the Assembly the number of families affected by the JD-S leader's actions.
“Let’s discuss in the session how many families have cried because of Kumaraswamy and how many tears he has wiped,” he responded during a press interaction at Nehru Planetarium.
Addressing the accusations that Shivakumar's desire for publicity led to the stampede, he remarked: “I don’t need any extra branding; my reputation is well-established among the people. RCB fans wanted to celebrate their team's victory. Let’s discuss how the JD-S criticized us for not allowing a victory parade and then backtracked after the incident. They are exploiting tragedy for political gain; we will not stoop to that level. Our politics is sincere.”
“I was emotional, and my eyes filled with tears, but they are even criticizing this. How can they hold me accountable?” he questioned.
When asked about the opposition's call for his resignation regarding the stampede, he jokingly replied: “They are the opposition; let them ask. We will try to accommodate their wishes.”
Discussing the backlash over his involvement in the victory celebration at the stadium, he stated: “The Karnataka State Cricket Association organized the event. As the Minister for Bengaluru Development, I was informed that the program needed to be shortened due to escalating tensions. How is that wrong? I even went to HAL airport to welcome the players and explain the city police's stance on the victory parade. What’s wrong with that?”
Regarding the continuation of the celebration at Vidhana Soudha amid the tragedy, he clarified that they were unaware of the incident at that time.
Responding to the opposition's criticism of suspending police officials instead of resigning, he said: “The CM's decision was made in the public's interest. We can address resignations at another time. Some people just like to talk.”
When questioned about Kumaraswamy's targeting, Shivakumar remarked: “He has a strong affection for me; it’s mutual. That’s why he asks for my resignation... we’ll humor his request.”
The Karnataka BJP and JD(S) have asserted that the rivalry between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar directly led to the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Both parties have squarely blamed them for the incident and called for their resignations.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, especially in the wake of such tragic incidents. The politicization of tragedies not only distracts from the issues at hand but also undermines public trust in leadership. A balanced approach that prioritizes the affected families while addressing political motives is essential for effective governance.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium?
During a felicitation program for the RCB, a stampede occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives.
How did Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah respond to opposition allegations?
Siddaramaiah accused the opposition of politicizing the tragedy and emphasized that he would not engage in such behavior.
What actions have been taken regarding the police officials?
The CM stated that action has been taken against those who failed to fulfill their responsibilities in relation to the stampede.
What is Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's stance on the issue?
Shivakumar criticized Kumaraswamy for his remarks and defended his actions by emphasizing his reputation and the need for sincere politics.
What demands have been made by the BJP and JD(S)?
Both parties have called for resignations from CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar, blaming them for the stampede.
