**Karnataka Government Faces Backlash After RCB Celebration Stampede**
In the wake of a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals and left many others injured, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the criticism regarding the management of the crowd during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) felicitation event. The event, held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was concluded hastily within 10 to 15 minutes following the incident.
Shivakumar stated, “We shortened the program. The program ended within 10 minutes. We are trying to make everything normal,” while speaking to reporters. He defended the police presence at the event, noting that “lakhs of people came” to celebrate RCB’s IPL victory. He assured the public that he had been in contact with the Police Commissioner and planned to visit the hospital later to check on the injured, urging the community to remain calm during this distressing time.
Expressing his condolences on social media, Shivakumar conveyed his shock over the tragedy, stating, “The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock. My condolences to the deceased and their families.” He also urged the public to prioritize safety, emphasizing that pride should not overshadow life.
Earlier in the day, the Bengaluru Metro announced the closure of several stations near Vidhana Soudha and the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to the overwhelming foot traffic associated with the RCB celebration. They indicated that trains would not stop at Cubbon Park and BR Ambedkar Vidhana Soudha from 4:30 PM until further notice.
In response to the chaos, the BJP criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for its failure to manage the crowd effectively. State president BY Vijayendra condemned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for their lack of preparedness, questioning whether they had reviewed the crowd safety plan or ensured adequate medical and police arrangements. He highlighted that other cities, like Mumbai, successfully hosted large events without incident, suggesting that the Karnataka government prioritized publicity over public safety.
Vijayendra called for a judicial inquiry to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy, stating, “Seven dead. Many are battling for life after a stampede due to the irresponsibility of the Congress government. No crowd control measures. No basic arrangements. Just chaos.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus remains on ensuring safety and accountability in future public gatherings.
**FAQ**
**What caused the stampede during the RCB celebration?**
The stampede was attributed to mismanagement of the large crowd that gathered for the RCB felicitation event, leading to chaos and tragic outcomes.