News Brief
Siddaramaiah Distances Karnataka Government From RCB Stampede Tragedy As BJP Demands Special Assembly Session
(Photo: Arijit Sen/Hindustan Times via GettyImages)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday (8 June) attempted to dissociate his government from the tragic stampede that left 11 people dead outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebrations on 4 June.
He stated that his government had only sanctioned the felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha, which proceeded without incident, TOI reported.
“Govt has done nothing wrong. Where did it happen? At the stadium. Did anything untoward happen at Vidhana Soudha? All those responsible have been suspended or taken into custody,” Siddaramaiah said in Mysuru.
He blamed the mishap on poor coordination by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), RCB officials, and Bengaluru police.
Suspended city police commissioner B Dayananda came under particular scrutiny, with the CM revealing that he was informed about the stampede only at 5.45 pm, nearly two hours after the first deaths were reported at 3.50 pm.
“I'm the head of govt. Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda should have informed me during the Vidhana Soudha celebrations. He didn't,” he said.
Siddaramaiah clarified that the Vidhana Soudha programme was led by KSCA and that he was not invited to the stadium event.
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has launched a scathing attack, accusing the Congress-led government of ignoring advance warnings and breaching safety protocols.
“The DCP asked for CCTV cameras and an anti-drone system. None were installed,” said BJP leader R Ashoka, citing security lapses.
The party is now demanding a three-day special legislative session. BJP leaders have also pledged to donate one month’s salary to the families of the deceased.
