BJP indulging in politics over dead bodies: DCM

Deeply saddened by stampede deaths during RCB victory celebrations

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, June 5: Expressing deep anguish over the stampede deaths during RCB victory celebrations, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today accused the BJP of indulging in politics over dead bodies.”

“Several people have lost their lives due to the tragic stampede during RCB victory celebrations and their families are mourning. But the insensitive BJP is busy doing politics over dead bodies. The tragedy should not have happened but it has happened. This is a time to treat the injured and condole the deaths and not do politics over dead bodies,” the DCM said while speaking to reporters at CM’s home office Krishna.

“The RCB team had requested an open-vehicle parade from HAL airport itself. But our police officials had advised us against it citing law and order. After deliberating it with the CM, we had decided not to grant permission for any victory parade,” he explained.

“The BJP had earlier in the day criticised Home Minister Parameshwar on ‘X’ calling him inefficient for not allowing victory parade of RCB. The same BJP is now accusing us of failure to stop this tragedy. This clearly shows that BJP is doing politics over dead bodies without even allowing families to mourn the dead,” he criticised.

Visits injured at Bowring Hospital
The DCM paid a visit to Bowring hospital and met the injured. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We had cancelled the victory parade as a precautionary measure, yet the stampede has occurred. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. There have been six casualties and 11-12 injured are being treated at the hospital. The doctors informed me that the injured are out of danger. The celebrations of the RCB were cut shot to 10 minutes.”

“The police had taken necessary steps but crowd surged all of a sudden. A lot of people arrived by metro as well,” he added. Asked about the criticism by the Opposition, he said, “It is the same police who served during their tenure who are serving now.”

Condolences to the victims
Earlier in a post on platform X, the DCM said, “The people who came to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebration have tragically fallen victim to this tragedy. The loss of lives is deeply painful and shocking. My condolences to the deceased and my sympathies are with the victims’ families. Passion for the game is important, but nothing is greater than life itself. I urge everyone to stay safe.”

Congratulations to RCB team
Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence and Kanakapura, he said, “Our RCB team has won the IPL tournament, bringing pride to our state. On behalf of the people of Karnataka, I extend my congratulations to them. For the past 18 years, the RCB team has worked tirelessly to win this trophy. No matter the challenges, Virat Kohli has remained committed to the team, sharing in both its struggles and triumphs. This makes the occasion truly special.”

Asked about Virat Kohli getting emotional after the victory, he said, “There are tears of joy and there are tears of sorrow. Where there is effort, there is reward. I have been following the IPL closely. My friends had even booked flight tickets to watch the final match, but I couldn’t attend.”