Why Was the Open Bus Parade for RCB Team Cancelled?

Bengaluru, June 4 (NationPress) Following an elaborate reception of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players at HAL airport in Bengaluru, hosted by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Karnataka government has decided to scrap the highly anticipated open vehicle victory parade for the team due to security concerns.

Initially, the RCB management and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had outlined plans for a celebratory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium.

Nevertheless, Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that, due to security issues, the players would not be permitted to travel to the stadium in an open vehicle.

The KSCA is set to host an event at Chinnaswamy Stadium, with appropriate police security and traffic management measures in place to prevent congestion.

Home Minister Parameshwara elaborated on the government’s felicitation event at the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, stating, “All players will arrive by bus at Vidhana Soudha. Once the program is complete, they will return to Chinnaswamy Stadium by bus. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will extend their congratulations, and two RCB team members will deliver speeches.”

The Bengaluru traffic police have issued an advisory indicating, “Due to the felicitation event for the RCB team at Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5 pm to 6 pm, the public is advised to steer clear of roads surrounding Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium from 3 pm to 8 pm.”

“There will be no victory parade,” the traffic police emphasized. “Due to limited parking, we recommend the use of Metro and other public transport,” they further added.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking from Kanakapura in the Ramanagara district, remarked, “We will honor the RCB players in front of Vidhana Soudha. Traveling in an open vehicle could pose problems, hence our advice against it. We urge all fans to come to Chinnaswamy Stadium instead. While enthusiasm is appreciated, caution is necessary. Fans are requested to avoid the area near the airport.”

Earlier, at HAL airport, the RCB team received a warm welcome from Shivakumar, who presented bouquets to each player. He particularly acknowledged cricketer Virat Kohli, giving him both the RCB flag and the Kannada flag. Kohli accepted the flags with joy and posed for pictures with the Deputy Chief Minister, who was also seen waving the RCB flag from his car during the journey to the airport.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda mentioned that the RCB team would be honored in front of Vidhana Soudha, with subsequent celebrations planned at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

He noted the expected heavy traffic to the stadium, prompting instructions for schools and colleges to close early in the afternoon.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued firm directives to DG and IGP M.A. Saleem and Joint Commissioner of Traffic M.N. Anucheth, stressing that with a large number of fans anticipated, neither players nor fans should face inconveniences. He instructed them to establish alternate routes for commuters in advance and to manage traffic effectively around Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium.