**BJP MLAs in Karnataka to Donate Salaries for Stampede Victims**
In a significant move following the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, announced that all BJP MLAs and MLCs will contribute one month’s salary to support the families of the victims. This announcement comes amid growing calls for accountability from the state government regarding the incident that claimed the lives of eleven individuals.
Ashoka emphasized the need for a three-day special session of the Assembly to thoroughly discuss the tragedy, stating that a formal request would be directed to both the Speaker and the Chief Minister. “It is heartbreaking that eleven innocent students lost their lives while the Congress party appeared to enjoy the event,” he remarked during a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Vidhana Soudha.
The opposition leader criticized the Congress government for allegedly disregarding police warnings and safety protocols, prioritizing political optics over public safety. He referenced a letter from the Vidhana Soudha police to the Chief Secretary, which highlighted concerns about the event’s security. “The event was organized in haste, compromising safety, and all warnings were ignored,” Ashoka asserted.
Furthermore, he called for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, accusing them of continuing the program despite being informed of the fatalities. “Eight children had already died when the event commenced, yet the program went on. These leaders have hearts of stone,” he stated.
Ashoka also condemned the suspension of police officers following the incident and demanded a judicial inquiry. “While three inquiries have been initiated, it remains unclear which one is credible. A probe led by a High Court judge is essential,” he insisted. He added that if the government is not culpable, it should provide Rs 1 crore in compensation to the victims’ families.
The stampede occurred during a celebration for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their first IPL title, resulting in eleven deaths and 56 injuries. The incident has raised serious questions about event management and public safety protocols in Karnataka.
**FAQ**
**What happened during the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium?**
On June 4, a stampede occurred outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during a celebration for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, resulting in eleven fatalities and numerous injuries.