Karnataka CM Rejects BJP's Resignation Demands Over Bengaluru Stampede

Siddaramaiah Responds to BJP's Criticism

On Wednesday, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's calls for his resignation following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru. He accused the BJP of politicizing every issue. Siddaramaiah questioned why the BJP did not demand the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after a stampede occurred during the Kumbh Mela earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of 40 to 50 individuals. He further inquired whether they had called for the Prime Minister's resignation after a bridge collapse on inauguration day that killed 140 people.

BJP's Allegations and Government Response

Siddaramaiah stated, "The BJP has a habit of misleading the public by spreading falsehoods and demanding resignations. They engage in politics over everything." Earlier, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi criticized the Karnataka government for its handling of the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL victory celebrations, which resulted in 11 fatalities. Joshi called for the immediate resignation of both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, labeling their management of the crowd as "irresponsible and insensitive."

Investigation Launched Following the Incident

Prior to the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team was officially honored by the Karnataka government on June 4 at the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha (State Assembly). The tragic incident led to the deaths of 11 individuals and left many others injured. In response, the Karnataka government suspended top police officials from Cubbon Park police station on June 5 and established a one-member commission headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the incident.