Karnataka Government Faces Backlash After RCB Victory Celebration Stampede

Bengaluru Stampede Raises Concerns

Bengaluru: Following the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebration, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah drew unsettling comparisons to the earlier Kumbh Mela tragedy. He stated, "Such incidents have occurred in various locations. I won't defend this by making comparisons, as I did not criticize the Kumbh Mela where 50-60 lives were lost. If Congress chooses to criticize, that's a separate issue." This statement highlights a concerning inconsistency in political crisis management.

State's Responsibility Under Scrutiny

The stampede took place at a significant event organized by the state, which anticipated large crowds and had ample time for preparation. RCB celebrated its first title win in 18 years, unlike the annual religious Kumbh Mela. The responsibility for such tragedies ultimately lies with the state government, regardless of the audience. Bengaluru, known for its traffic issues and enthusiastic fans, hosted this unprecedented celebration. Journalist Siddarth KM remarked on social media, "Politicians who avoid politicizing fatal mistakes of their opponents expect the same treatment when they err."

Confusion Amidst the Chaos

As news of the stampede emerged, confusion ensued. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was unaware that the Karnataka government had sanctioned the celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium. He stated, "If such events are planned in the future, proper arrangements must be made... Those inside the stadium were uninformed about the incident."

Contradictory Statements from Officials

In the hours that followed, conflicting accounts surfaced. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar claimed they had instructed RCB to conclude the celebration sooner. RCB confirmed awareness of the stampede, stating, "Upon learning of the situation, we quickly adjusted our program and adhered to the local administration's guidance." Reports also indicated misinformation regarding ticket sales contributed to the overwhelming crowd.

Government's Hasty Decisions Questioned

The Karnataka government appeared to accept its role in the tragedy, admitting that the event was hastily organized due to foreign players' impending departures. This raises the question of whether the government prioritized players' schedules over public safety. Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Congress-led state government of 'criminal negligence.' Tejasvi Surya, MP for Bengaluru South, criticized the government for seeking attention while neglecting necessary arrangements.

RCB's Celebration Not an Isolated Incident

While RCB's victory after 18 years was significant, it was not the first IPL team to celebrate in a major city. Teams like CSK and KKR have previously held victory parades in collaboration with local authorities. However, no team has attempted such a large-scale celebration just a day after winning a title. Reports indicated that Karnataka Police had advised RCB to postpone the parade to June 8, but the government ultimately prioritized the players' schedules.

Fan Experiences During the Stampede

Eyewitness accounts revealed the chaos fans faced. Sinchana N, 25, who experienced the stampede, reported that police were not managing the crowd effectively, merely pushing people. "I avoided the worst because I arrived late," she shared. As ambulances struggled to navigate through the crowd, police resorted to using force.

Political Fallout and Accountability

BJP MP Sambit Patra drew comparisons to a recent incident involving actor Allu Arjun, who faced backlash over a stampede during a film screening. He questioned the state government's crowd management efforts, stating, "Will DK Shivakumar apologize and resign? Who authorized this event to continue despite the fatalities? This is a state government failure, and they must take responsibility."

Calls for Improved Safety Measures

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged the state government to reassess and enhance safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. In response, the Karnataka government announced new standard operating procedures for large events and initiated a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The Karnataka High Court has also requested a report from the state government.