What should have been a moment of pride and unity has now become a flashpoint for political blame. In the wake of the tragic stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has openly criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government, alleging serious lapses in event planning and crowd control.
Calling the incident “unfortunate,” Joshi didn’t mince words. He accused the state's top political leaders and bureaucrats of being “busy taking selfies” while chaos unfolded outside the stadium. According to him, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other ministers were more focused on celebrating the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory with their families than ensuring public safety.
“The Chief Minister, Deputy CM, ministers were all trying to take selfies with their family members, more police were engaged at the Vidhana Soudha,” Joshi told reporters.
These remarks have added fuel to an already sensitive situation. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate RCB’s historic win—an emotional moment 18 years in the making. But the excitement quickly descended into tragedy after authorities closed the stadium gates, triggering a stampede among the dense crowd.
Joshi further alleged that the state government tried to “politically capitalise” on RCB’s win by pushing forward with the celebrations without proper logistical support or risk assessment. He has demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter, a call that resonates with many citizens who are now questioning how such a disaster was allowed to occur.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Union Minister blamed “poor planning and crowd mismanagement” for the deaths. He also questioned why emergency services were not adequately involved in planning the event.
“Celebrations is one thing,” Joshi wrote, “but the State government, without proper planning, without taking emergency services into confidence, took this urgent and unfortunate decision.”
The Karnataka government has yet to respond formally to these allegations, though Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty informed the Karnataka High Court that a factual report is being prepared and all necessary steps are underway.
While political finger-pointing is almost inevitable in such situations, the bigger concern remains: why were safeguards not in place for an event of this scale? And who will be held accountable?
As Bengaluru mourns its dead, the state government must look beyond politics and focus on answers, accountability, and meaningful change.
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