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Key Points

A tragic stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebration in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives, sparking intense political backlash. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje have strongly criticized Karnataka's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for their alleged irresponsible crowd management. The ministers are demanding immediate resignations, arguing that the state leadership ignored clear safety warnings. The incident has escalated into a significant political controversy, with accusations of insensitivity and negligence.

Key Points: Joshi Blasts Siddaramaiah Over Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy

  • Joshi demands resignation of Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar
  • 11 people died in Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
  • Leaders accused of celebrating despite tragic deaths
  • Police warned about crowd risks
2 min read

Behaved most irresponsibly: Union Minister Joshi on Bengaluru stampede

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemns Karnataka leaders for 'irresponsible' handling of deadly IPL celebration stampede

"You have blood on your hands - Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State"

Bengaluru, June 8

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday reiterated Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje's scathing remark on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that they had "blood on their hands" for their "irresponsible and insensitive" handling of the crowd outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, which led to a stampede that killed 11 people on June 4 during RCB's IPL victory celebrations.

Joshi echoed Karandlaje's statement from a press conference on Saturday, in which she accused the leaders of celebrating despite the tragedy and shifting blame and further called for their immediate resignation.

"That is definitely there. I've seen her statement... They have behaved most irresponsibly... Deaths were announced although the celebration was going on... Police have clearly categorically denied that they cannot provide it; it is a risky thing; you don't do it despite all these things... It is the most irresponsible and insensitive behaviour of both the CM (and the Deputy CM)," Joshi said.

His remarks align with Karandlaje's earlier demand, "You have celebrated after their deaths... You have blood on your hands. Listen, Siddaramaiah, listen, DK Shivakumar, you have blood on your hands... You can't blame the Commissioner... You are also a culprit... I demand Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar resign immediately."

Joshi also dismissed Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the Election Commission, where the Congress MP alleged that the Maharashtra Assembly election held last year was "rigged" and claimed that the same will be repeated in Bihar assembly polls due later this year.

"The Election Commission has given the reply. At the same time when elections were held in Jharkhand... They have won... If we could, we could also do it there... The same thing was in Karnataka and in Delhi... It is all stupidity," Joshi added.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission described the Congress MP's allegation as "unsubstantiated allegations."

The ECI stated that spreading misinformation is "disrespect towards law," and attempts to defame are "completely absurd."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Tragic incident that could have been avoided with better planning. Both state and central leaders should stop politicizing this tragedy and focus on compensation for victims' families. IPL celebrations shouldn't turn into mourning events. 😔
P
Priya M.
As a Bengaluru resident, I'm shocked by the poor crowd management. The stadium has hosted bigger events before - why such failure this time? Instead of resignations, we need proper investigation and accountability. Also, why drag Rahul Gandhi into this discussion? Stay on topic!
A
Arjun S.
The "blood on hands" rhetoric is too harsh. Yes, there was negligence, but such language only creates more division. We need constructive criticism, not political mudslinging when people have lost lives. #BengaluruDeservesBetter
S
Sunita R.
Why is everything in our country becoming BJP vs Congress? 11 people died - can't we have one tragedy where politicians show unity instead of point-scoring? My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in this completely avoidable incident.
V
Vikram J.
The police had warned about security risks but were ignored. This shows our system's failure when political leaders prioritize photo-ops over public safety. Hope the High Court takes suo moto notice and fixes accountability across all levels, not just target CM/Dy CM.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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