Bengaluru, June 6 (UNI) The BJP on Friday strongly demanded the ouster of the Congress government in Karnataka, holding it morally responsible for the loss of 11 lives following the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebration.
BJP state chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa referred to a written communication by Cubbon Park Police denying permission for the June 4 celebration, warning of uncontrollable crowds and security risks. “Despite this, the CM tweeted inviting people to a felicitation at Vidhana Soudha. Lakhs of fans gathered there. Who gave permission for that?” Vijayendra questioned.
He further alleged that permission was also denied for any celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, yet an event was held there with full participation of Deputy CM Shivakumar. “The police themselves have confirmed that no permission was granted and an FIR has been registered. Then why did the Deputy CM participate? Who allowed the crowd to gather?” he said.
The BJP leader accused the government of trying to shift blame to KSCA, RCB, and event organisers, while shielding those in power. “Making KSCA or RCB the scapegoat will not suffice. The real accountability lies with those who encouraged the celebrations despite red flags from law enforcement,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader R Ashoka, while speaking to media in a joint presser with JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy, charged the Congress government with pressuring the police and event organisers to proceed with the celebrations. “The government went ahead with the programme without authorisation, ignoring all police objections and standard protocols. This reckless decision directly caused the chaos and loss of lives,” Ashoka said.
He condemned the state leadership for politicising the event. He accused Congress leaders of focusing on photo ops and publicity rather than public safety. “While Bengaluru faced floods and chaos, the government was busy organising a large, unauthorised gathering. They neglected the welfare of the city’s residents and the youth who came to support their team,” Ashoka said.
Demanding a CBI probe, he said, “The people must know who forced the police to bend, who gave the green light despite risks, and who must be held accountable for the tragedy.”
“The law must prevail. No one, not even ministers or Chief Ministers, are above the law,” Ashoka said.
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