Bengaluru stampede: BJP demands resignation of CM, Dy. CM and Home Minister on moral grounds

BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, at a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Upping the ante against the Congress government on the stampede that claimed 11 lives and left at least 56 persons injured during RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, the Opposition BJP on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara on moral grounds.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra criticised Mr. Siddaramaiah for allegedly evading responsibility by claiming that it was an event that had been organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association and attempting to cover up his government’s mistakes.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok also demanded that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister should resign. Referring to the RCB’s catchline Ee Sala kappu nammadu (This time cup is ours), Mr. Ashok remarked: “Cup nammadu, thappu yaradu? (cup is ours, whose is the mistake?)

“The investigation must be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge, and an SIT should be formed for this purpose. The report must be submitted directly to the High Court. Justice must be delivered for all these deaths, and those responsible must be punished,” he said.

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, who visited the injured persons in the hospitals where they are being treated, termed the action of organising a mega event without proper preparations as a “criminal act.”

Pointing out that the neighbouring Telangana had acted sternly against Telugu actor Allu Arjun for the stampede in a film theatre, she wondered why Karnataka has not taken similar measures.

Published - June 05, 2025 09:54 pm IST