‘No lapse at Vidhana Soudha, government took swift action’

Mysuru

Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah on Sunday stated that no untoward incident took place within the premises of Vidhana Soudha, asserting that the government has taken the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident seriously and acted promptly.

Speaking to the media at Mysuru Airport, the CM dismissed allegations by BJP and JD(S) as politically motivated. He clarified that based on preliminary information, the government has already initiated action against the concerned police officers and ordered a judicial probe as demanded by the opposition.

Siddaramaiah emphasised that the event held at Vidhana Soudha had conditional approval from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), and all guidelines were followed. The stampede occurred outside the stadium during the RCB victory parade, not within the Vidhana Soudha premises, he stressed.

“Police should have ensured proper crowd management. Due to lapses in security arrangements, several officers have been suspended,” he said, expressing deep regret over the incident. He revealed that although the injured were admitted to the hospital at 3:50 PM, he was informed only at 5:45 PM.

He also confirmed that the event was not a government function and that he was not invited. Responding to public criticism on social media accusing the government of scapegoating police officers, Siddaramaiah noted that five officers were suspended, and senior officials, including the intelligence chief and his political secretary, have been replaced.

When asked if the stadium’s limited capacity would prompt relocation of major events, he said the government would review and decide accordingly to prevent such mishaps in future.

Rejecting BJP’s criticism, Siddaramaiah called their stance hypocritical: “First, they demand an open-bus parade for RCB and then blame the government after the incident.”

He said that the government has nothing to hide or be embarrassed about, adding, “If BJP wants resignations for every tragedy, why didn’t they demand the same during the Kumbh Mela bridge collapse in Uttar Pradesh?”