Bengaluru, Mar 13 (UNI) Karnataka BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Thursday criticised the Siddaramaiah-led government for its failure to announce compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Kumbh Mela stampede. Drawing a stark contrast, he praised the Uttar Pradesh BJP government for its swift humanitarian response.

Vijayendra expressed disappointment that while the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, allocated Rs 25 lakh as compensation for victims' families, the Karnataka government has remained indifferent.

"In order to uphold human values, our BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has shown its humanitarian commitment by distributing Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the families of those who lost their precious lives in the unexpected stampede during the Kumbh Mela. For this, I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath," he said on X.

He emphasised that all Kumbh Mela attendees, regardless of state affiliation, deserve assistance. "It is sad that the Karnataka government has not come forward with such humanitarian assistance to them," he remarked.

Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah’s administration of religious bias, alleging that the recent budget focuses on appeasing a particular community rather than providing equitable aid. "The Chief Minister, who has presented a budget that creates a rift between religions and announced plans to appease Muslims, does not feel compassion for those who died while participating in a spiritual programme of Sanatan Hinduism. This reflects his religiously divisive mindset," he said.

The BJP leader urged the Karnataka government to act without delay. "At least now, I urge the Hon’ble Chief Minister to demonstrate his commitment by announcing the state government's compensation to the families of those who lost their lives at the Kumbh Mela," he stated. As of now, there has been no response from the Karnataka government regarding Vijayendra’s demand.

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