Did the Image Battle Between Karnataka’s CM and Dy CM Cause the Stampede?

Bengaluru, June 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP and JD(S) have asserted that the conflict for public image between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar led to the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Both parties have firmly accused the leaders of causing this incident and are calling for their immediate resignations.

During a joint press conference held in Bengaluru, Union Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra voiced their concerns.

Kumaraswamy clarified that the stampede was not due to any negligence from the police. He alleged that the government proceeded with the celebration event despite police objections, merely to enhance their public image.

"I believe that this government in Karnataka needs to be dismissed. Both CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar must be held accountable for the stampede disaster," Kumaraswamy stated.

He criticized the government's arrogant attitude, dismissing police department recommendations, and holding them directly responsible for the calamity.

"To cover up their mistakes, the state government has suspended five police officers. The former Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B. Dayananda, successfully managed New Year celebrations with a larger crowd without any incidents," he added.

Kumaraswamy claimed that Dy CM Shivakumar was unaware of the government's plans to honor RCB players and was busy attending court in Kanakapura. Upon learning of the arrangements for the felicitation at Vidhana Soudha, he hurried to HAL airport to receive the players, overshadowing CM Siddaramaiah.

"It is clear how both leaders prioritized their image, leading to the tragic loss of 11 lives," Kumaraswamy alleged.

He mentioned that the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) had officially communicated details about the felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha.

Describing the chain of events on that fateful day, Kumaraswamy revealed, "One of the CM's close aides pressured former Bengaluru Commissioner Dayananda to allow the victory celebrations, despite warnings that holding two events would create security issues due to police fatigue from managing crowds overnight. Dayananda then approached the CM, who instructed him to proceed with the celebrations."

"The police had stationed officers and much of their force at Vidhana Soudha, while three platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) were assigned to the stadium. CM Siddaramaiah had outrightly declined to celebrate RCB players at the stadium," he explained.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra called for accountability, demanding that CM Siddaramaiah be named the first accused in the stampede case, followed by Dy CM Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

"The government claims it did not authorize the celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) at the stadium. But who allowed the state government to hold the event at Vidhana Soudha? If the stadium event was unauthorized, why did Dy CM Shivakumar attend the stadium and celebrate?" questioned Vijayendra.

He asserted that instead of scapegoating police officers, the CM and Dy CM should take responsibility and resign.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka remarked that the state government neglected the flooding issues in Bengaluru after heavy rains, focusing instead on organizing a party event in Kalaburagi. He stressed that had they dedicated even an hour to planning for the RCB victory celebration, 11 lives could have been spared.

"The Virat Kohli’s RCB team bears no blame in this tragedy. Following a reprimand from the High Court, the government initiated action against police officers to avoid repercussions. This marks the first instance in history of a Police Commissioner’s suspension," Ashoka stated.

Ashoka raised further questions: "The government claims permission was not granted for the celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium. What stopped it from imposing prohibitory orders? When we want to protest with permission, the government deploys police immediately for detainment. Why was no action taken here?"