Bengaluru stampede: BJP ups ante by scheduling protest and reiterating demand for special legislature session 

Upping the ante against the Congress government regarding the stampede that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, the BJP has not only scheduled a protest in Bengaluru on Tuesday demanding resignation of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, but has also reiterated its demand for convening a special legislature session to discuss the issue. 

The BJP which had put off its protest scheduled on June 13 owing to the plane tragedy in Ahmedabad, has now decided to hold it on Tuesday. Announcing the fresh date for the protest, K. Gopalaiah, BJP MLA, on Sunday said all MPs, legislators, and prominent leaders will take part in the protest at Freedom Park. 

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok has written to the Chief Minister, reiterating the party’s demand for convening an emergency three-day session of the State legislature to discuss the reasons for the stampede. 

In the letter, Mr. Ashok said the stampede had raised serious questions about public safety, crowd control, and the organisation of sports and other events. “The tragedy has caused anxiety and concern among the public. Lapses in administration, the government’s actions post-incident, and attempts to shield influential individuals have led to widespread doubts. Three separate probes are being conducted to conceal the truth, and helpless officials are being made scapegoats.”  

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive discussion on measures to prevent such incidents. The session should address the issues related to thorough investigation into the circumstances of the stampede, strengthening crowd control and safety measures at public events, ensuring proper treatment for the injured, providing compensation to affected families, and outlining the State government’s plans to avoid such incidents, he said.

Published - June 15, 2025 08:57 pm IST