NewKerala.com

Key Points

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar firmly denied rumours about buying the RCB franchise, calling them absurd. He referenced his cricket association background but clarified he has no time for franchise management. The statement comes amid controversy over the Bengaluru stampede during RCB celebrations. Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah countered BJP's resignation demands by pointing to similar incidents in BJP-ruled states.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar Denies Buying RCB Franchise Calls Rumours Baseless

  • DK Shivakumar dismisses RCB ownership rumours
  • Links stampede probe to BJP's political demands
  • Questions BJP's silence on UP stampede deaths
  • High Court reserves order on RCB official's arrest
2 min read

Not a mad man, I don't even drink Royal Challenge: DK Shivakumar refutes rumours of buying RCB franchise

Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar refutes RCB ownership rumours, saying he's "not a mad man" and doesn't even drink Royal Challenge whisky.

"I am not a mad man... I don’t even drink Royal Challenge - DK Shivakumar"

New Delhi, June 11

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, on Thursday, refuted the rumours of him buying the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, saying that he is not a mad man.

Speaking to ANI, Shivakumar said that he had offers to be part of the management, but he doesn't have time for this.

"I am not a mad man. I'm just a member of the Karnataka Cricket Association from my younger days, that's all. I don't have time, though I had offers to be part of the management... Why do I need RCB? I don't even drink Royal Challenge," the Karnataka DyCM said.

On June 4, the stampede that occurred during celebrations outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations claimed 11 lives.

Following the Bengaluru stampede, the Karnataka Government on June 5 suspended top police officials at the Cubbon Park Police Station and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's demand for his resignation over the Bengaluru stampede, accusing the party of "doing politics in everything."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned why the BJP had not demanded the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath when a stampede occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year.

"40-50 people died in a stampede at Kumbh Mela. Did they demand the chief minister's resignation then? A bridge collapsed on the day of the inauguration, and 140 people died. Did they demand the Prime Minister's resignation then?" Siddaramaiah asked while talking to reporters here.

Earlier today, the Karnataka High Court reserved the order on the petition filed by RCB's marketing head Nikhil Sosale, seeking interim relief on the ground that his arrest in alleged connection with the Bengaluru stampede was illegal.

The High Court reserved the order for June 12 at 2:30 pm.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul P.
DK Shivakumar's comment about not drinking Royal Challenge was unnecessary. As a senior politician, he should focus on addressing the stampede tragedy rather than making jokes. 11 lives were lost - that's no laughing matter. 😔
P
Priya M.
The real issue here is the stampede and poor crowd management. Why are we discussing who buys RCB? Our focus should be on ensuring such tragedies don't happen again. Kudos to the govt for forming a commission to investigate.
A
Arjun K.
As a die-hard RCB fan, I'm glad politicians aren't buying the franchise. Cricket should remain separate from politics. But the stampede was heartbreaking - we need better safety measures for fans. #RCBForever 💛❤️
S
Sunita R.
CM Siddaramaiah makes a valid point about BJP's selective outrage. Tragedies happen across states, but opposition only demands resignations when it suits their politics. We need consistent standards for accountability.
V
Vikram S.
The way our politicians compare tragedies to score political points is disgusting. Whether it's UP or Karnataka, loss of life should be treated with seriousness, not as ammunition for debates. Shame!
N
Neha T.
While the stampede is tragic, let's not forget this started as a celebration for RCB's first-ever trophy after 16 years! The team brought so much joy to Bengaluru. Hope the investigation brings justice while we remember the happy moments too. 🏏

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