Karnataka BJP Protests Demand Resignation Over Tragic Stampede Incident
In a significant protest, Karnataka's BJP legislators and MPs demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar following a tragic stampede that resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries. The demonstration took place at the Vidhana Soudha, where leaders accused the state government of negligence. Protesters called for justice for the victims and criticized the government's decision to allow celebrations despite the risks. The incident occurred during an IPL victory celebration, raising serious questions about public safety and government accountability. Read on for more details on this unfolding situation.
| Jun 8, 2025, 18:24 IST
Protests Erupt in Karnataka Assembly
Karnataka's BJP legislators and MPs staged a protest on Sunday in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vidhana Soudha, calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar following the tragic stampede that occurred on June 4 in Bengaluru. This unfortunate incident resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and left 56 others injured. The demonstration was led by R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, along with BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. The BJP representatives expressed their outrage towards the state government, accusing it of negligence that directly contributed to this tragedy. Protesters demanded legal action against both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, holding them accountable for the fatalities.
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During the protest, demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans demanding justice for the victims. Among the most intense chants was the call for the removal of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, with some protesters labeling them as 'murderers' for their roles in the incident. The stampede occurred on the evening of June 4 outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the victory of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite police warnings and the lack of permission, the event continued, leading to chaos as the crowd surged into a narrow area. The death toll reached 11, with 56 others injured.
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Speaking during the protest, Ashok accused the government of allowing the event to proceed despite the risks involved. He stated, "This is a government-sponsored murder," asserting that the decision to permit the celebration showed a gross disregard for human life. A key point raised by BJP leaders was the timing of the celebration. Ashok argued that the festivities continued even after the first fatalities occurred. According to him, the first death was reported around 3:15 PM, yet the celebration commenced around 4:30-5:00 PM, by which time several deaths had already occurred. He also criticized Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for attending another celebratory event later that evening, where ₹1 crore worth of fireworks were set off despite the ongoing tragedy.