Karnataka Government Takes Action After RCB Stampede Tragedy: Political Fallout Unfolds
Political Shake-Up Following RCB Celebrations
Bengaluru: Following the tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) celebrations, the Karnataka government has dismissed K. Govindaraju from his role as Political Secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The reasons for Govindaraju's removal have not been officially disclosed, but insiders suggest that it stems from intense criticism directed at him by several cabinet ministers regarding the organization of the felicitation event for RCB players at Vidhana Soudha.
Reports indicate that during a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, ministers expressed their frustrations. It is believed that CM Siddaramaiah approved the event under pressure from Govindaraju, who also serves as the President of the Karnataka Olympic Association.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, speaking alongside BJP leaders, attributed the incident to Govindaraju's actions.
Kumaraswamy recounted the events leading to the tragedy, alleging that a close aide of the CM had pressured the then Bengaluru Police Commissioner Dayananda to allow the victory celebrations. The commissioner had warned that hosting two events could lead to security issues due to police fatigue from managing crowds the previous night. Siddaramaiah allegedly intervened, instructing Dayananda to proceed with the celebrations.
Kumaraswamy remarked, "This individual is frequently seen with CM Siddaramaiah and is often referred to as 'Govinda' by him."
He further noted that while police resources were allocated to Vidhana Soudha, three platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police were stationed at the stadium, and Siddaramaiah had initially opposed the idea of honoring the RCB players there.
In a related development, the Congress government has also reassigned ADGP of Intelligence, Hemant Nimbalkar, amid concerns that the administration was reluctant to act against him due to his wife's political ties as a Congress leader and former MLA. Nimbalkar was appointed as the state's intelligence chief last year.
While the state government has suspended the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, the DCP of Central Division, the Additional Commissioner of Police for the West, and the local Inspector in connection with the stampede, the lack of action against the intelligence chief has raised eyebrows.