The Bengaluru stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title celebrations has triggered a fierce political battle in Karnataka, with the state government removing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political secretary and suspending a senior intelligence officer amid mounting criticism. The opposition parties have demanded accountability from the Chief Minister and his deputy DK Shivakumar, holding them responsible for the tragedy that resulted in 11 deaths. As political tensions rise, accusations and counter-accusations have intensified, with both ruling and opposition parties blaming each other for mismanagement and politicizing the crisis.
Key Officials Removed Amid Controversy
On Friday, the Karnataka government revoked the appointment of K Govindaraj as the political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following a viral letter in which K Govindaraj requested arrangements for a grand celebration of the RCB team in Bengaluru. The government also suspended Hemant Nimbalkar, Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence), a day after the removal of Bengaluru Police Chief B Dayananda and four other police officers. The decisions came amidst growing scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the event, which spiraled into chaos.
K Govindaraj distanced himself from the controversy, denying that he advised the Chief Minister to hold a victory procession and emphasizing his role as head of the Karnataka Olympic Association. Meanwhile, senior IPS officer S Ravi was appointed as the new state intelligence chief, replacing Nimbalkar.
Political Accusations and Blame Shifts
DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister, accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy, asserting that the government acted with sincerity and questioned why he should be held responsible. He explained his involvement as the Bengaluru minister and his efforts to manage the event without official permission for a victory parade.
The BJP, on the other hand, condemned the Congress government for punishing police officials to shield political mismanagement. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra alleged that the suspensions were driven by political pressure to protect the Chief Minister. The Janata Dal (Secular) held Shivakumar accountable and demanded his resignation.
Opposition leader R. Ashok highlighted the ongoing power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar as a potential cause behind the sudden suspensions and the stampede incident. The Chief Minister dismissed political claims, insisting that action was taken only against those who failed in their responsibilities.
The incident continues to fuel political discord in Karnataka, as parties engage in a heated debate over responsibility and accountability for the tragic stampede.
