Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 4 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Kharge called on the authorities to immediately strengthen safety protocols for such events to prevent any future tragedy like this.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory. The loss of precious lives and the injuries sustained by many in this unfortunate incident are profoundly distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Kharge said.
He emphasised that the Congress Party stands in solidarity with the people of Bengaluru and commits to supporting all efforts to provide relief, medical help, and assistance to the families affected by the Karnataka government.
"The state government and relevant authorities must immediately review and strengthen safety protocols for such events to prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy. The joy of victory should never come at the cost of lives," Mallikarjun Kharge asserted.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic after a stampede occurred during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebration event, where a massive crowd gathered outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
He spoke to the Police Commissioner and other officials to ensure that the situation is under control. The Karnataka Dy CM will also be visiting the hospital later to assess the situation.
Karnataka Legislative Council member, BK Hariprasad said that 11 people, including a women died in the stampede during the event.
"The incident in which more than 11 people, including women, died in a stampede during the RCB cricket team's victory parade in Bengaluru is extremely shocking and regrettable. The condition of some of the injured in the stampede is serious, and the government should take immediate action to provide them with appropriate treatment. My condolences to the deceased and my condolences to their families," Hariprasad said on X.
Opposition parties in the state, including the Janata Dal (Secular), have squarely blamed the Congress-led state government for what they describe as a complete failure of planning and public safety.
Union Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy said the primary reason for this "massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures".
Kumaraswamy, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, said the state's Congress government must take full responsibility for this disaster.
"The tragic incident of a stampede near Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebrations, resulting in the unfortunate death of people, has left me deeply shocked. It is extremely painful to see innocent lives lost even before the celebrations could begin," he said.
"The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures. The state government, led by @INCKarnataka, must take full responsibility for this disaster. Along with ensuring the injured receive the best possible treatment, the government must immediately reach out to support the families of the deceased," he added.