Shobha Karandlaje Slams Karnataka Govt Over Stadium Stampede: “Why Not Arrest CM Like Telangana Did With Allu Arjun?”
Bengaluru | June 7, 2025: In the wake of the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations, BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje launched a fierce attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, demanding political accountability and an independent probe.
Addressing reporters, Karandlaje drew a stark comparison with a similar incident in Telangana. She referenced the December 2024 stampede during a screening of Pushpa 2, where a woman was killed. "In Telangana, the government acted swiftly and arrested actor Allu Arjun from his home. Why is the Karnataka government silent now? Should we arrest Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for this tragedy?" she questioned.
“Accountability Can’t Stop With Police Officers”
The BJP MP expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to form an inquiry panel headed by the Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner, calling it a conflict of interest. “How can a bureaucrat fairly investigate his own political bosses? If the collector finds fault with the CM or Deputy CM, will he take action?” she asked.
Karandlaje demanded an independent investigation led by retired High Court judges, stating that only a neutral body could ensure justice and transparency.
“Congress Busy Taking Credit, Ignored Safety”
She also accused the Congress-led state government of focusing more on political publicity than crowd safety. “They were desperate to share the limelight with RCB players and hijack credit for the victory. In the process, they failed to ensure basic security arrangements,” she said.
Her remarks come as the state faces mounting criticism for poor crowd control measures during the June 4 celebrations.
Arrests and Suspensions Follow Stampede
Following the incident, the Karnataka police suspended several senior officers, including former Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. On Friday, police arrested Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of RCB, in connection with the mismanagement that led to the stampede.
As the death toll from the tragedy reached 11, with dozens more injured, questions are growing louder around who should bear ultimate responsibility.
Political Heat Intensifies in Karnataka
The Karnataka government is now facing growing pressure not just from the opposition but also from civil society. Critics argue that bureaucratic action alone is not enough—there must be political consequences.
Shobha Karandlaje’s strong remarks have further intensified the debate around leadership accountability. "Lives were lost. Families are grieving. Someone must answer—not just officials, but those in power," she concluded.