BJP’s demand for resignation over stampede tragedy politically motivated: CM

Chikkaballapura

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the BJP of politicizing issues, calling their demand for his resignation over the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede “purely politically motivated” and misleading the public with false claims.

Speaking to reporters at Bommasandra village helipad in Gauribidanur, Siddaramaiah responded to BJP protests following the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives. He questioned the BJP’s double standards, pointing out that during the Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Uttar Pradesh, which caused 40 to 50 deaths, no resignation demands were made against the state’s Chief Minister. He also referenced the COVID-19 oxygen shortage crisis in Karnataka, where 23 died, yet former CM Basavaraj Bommai did not resign.

Regarding investigations into the stampede, Siddaramaiah said a one-man commission has been formed and will submit its report within 30 days. “I do not wish to speak more on this matter,” he added.

On the recent ED raids involving Congress leaders in the Valmiki Board case, the Chief Minister stated, “If any law has been violated, legal action should be taken, and we will not obstruct the process.”

Addressing complaints about the caste census resurvey, he noted the previous survey was over 10 years old and a fresh survey is underway as per Congress leadership’s instructions. “We have accepted the report in principle,” he said.

On the proposal to rename Tumakuru district as North Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said it would be examined by the Cabinet. When questioned about party leadership’s decision on the H. Kantharaju Commission caste census report, he affirmed the government will follow the party’s direction.