Bengaluru Stampede Fallout: BJP Demands Resignations of CM Siddaramaiah and DCM Shivakumar Amid Public Outcry
Filed From: Freedom Park, Bengaluru
Date: June 17, 2025
Tragedy Turns Political: BJP Takes Battle to the Streets
Bengaluru, June 17, 2025 — Political tempers reached a boiling point on Tuesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounted a scathing protest at Freedom Park, demanding the immediate resignations of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar following the stampede tragedy during the RCB victory celebration near Chinnaswamy Stadium, which left 11 dead and dozens injured.
Chanting slogans and carrying black flags, BJP leaders accused the ruling Congress of gross administrative failure, publicity-hungry politics, and complete disregard for safety protocols.
“Ego Clash Led to Carnage”: BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra
At the heart of the protest was a fiery speech by BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra, who minced no words in blaming the top Congress leadership for the fatal mismanagement.
“This wasn’t an accident—it was a tragedy manufactured by ego clashes,” Vijayendra said. “The deputy CM organised the event for personal publicity, while the CM chose to look away. Their competition cost 11 lives.”
Vijayendra demanded both leaders take moral responsibility and step down, labeling the government “shameless” and “unfit to lead.”
Police Clamp Down: Protesters Detained
The protest quickly escalated as BJP workers attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Bengaluru Police, citing Section 144 enforcement, stopped the march at Freedom Park, sparking minor scuffles.
Eyewitnesses report police pushing back crowds, leading to chaos. Several BJP leaders and cadres, including MLAs and party office bearers, were detained and transported in BMTC buses to Upparpet Police Station.
“We came here for justice, not violence,” said MLA Aravind Limbavali. “But the government doesn’t even let grieving citizens speak.”
Top BJP Brass Rallies: United Show of Strength
The protest drew massive participation from the BJP’s state machinery, signaling a coordinated offensive ahead of upcoming civic elections:
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R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly
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Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
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Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Former Deputy CM
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Ravi Kumar and Doddangowda Patil, Party Whips
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MLAs, MLCs, former ministers and local office bearers
“The Blood Is on Their Hands”: Opposition’s Indictment
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy laid bare the logistics failures that preceded the stampede.
“They summoned crowds from every corner of the state. It was a security nightmare. The police are being made scapegoats, but why hasn’t the intelligence chief been suspended yet?”
Former Minister Gopalaiah also hit hard at the Congress-led administration:
“Two major events were hosted simultaneously near Vidhana Soudha. The police had warned against this. But the government brushed it off—for the sake of optics.”
He added that the event continued even after news of fatalities emerged, calling it “inhuman and politically motivated.”
Government Under Pressure: What Next?
Despite growing pressure, the Congress leadership has not yet issued an official apology or announced resignations. Sources within the CM’s office say an internal review is underway, but no heads are expected to roll.
“Our priority is to support the victims’ families. Political mudslinging at this time is irresponsible,” said a senior Congress spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the BJP has vowed to take the issue to the national stage, with party MPs expected to raise the matter in Parliament later this week.
Background: The RCB Celebration That Turned Deadly
On June 15, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosted a grand victory rally to mark their IPL win—a first in franchise history. The celebratory parade, scheduled near Chinnaswamy Stadium and Cubbon Park, drew tens of thousands of fans.
However, a lack of crowd control, poor barricading, and last-minute venue alterations led to a stampede outside Gate 3, killing 11 and injuring 40+. Security briefings were reportedly overlooked in favor of media optics.
Freedom Park: From Resistance to Rage
Freedom Park—once a symbol of peaceful protest during the Emergency—has now become the epicenter of Karnataka’s political showdown. With civic polls looming, Tuesday’s protest is seen as the BJP’s attempt to galvanize public anger into electoral gains, leveraging a humanitarian tragedy to challenge Congress’s urban vote base.
The Road Ahead: Questions the Government Must Answer
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Why were two mega-events scheduled simultaneously near Vidhana Soudha despite warnings?
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Why did the programme continue even after fatalities were confirmed?
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Who will be held accountable—and when?
The public now waits for concrete answers—not soundbites. As victims’ families mourn, and political factions clash, Bengaluru grapples with a deeper crisis: the erosion of responsibility in public leadership.