Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 5: A political storm has erupted in Karnataka following a tragic stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives and left 33 injured during the RCB IPL 2025 victory celebrations. Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra lashed out at the ruling government, calling the incident “avoidable” and accusing the state of gross mismanagement.
Vijayendra questioned the urgency and lack of preparedness for hosting such a massive event. “In Ahmedabad, 1.5 lakh fans gathered without incident. Why was this celebration rushed without proper planning in Bengaluru? Who gave permission for this chaos? The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister must clarify their roles,” he said.
He also pointed out that the stampede began even before players had left their hotel, yet the government proceeded with celebrations at the Vidhana Soudha. “Even after people were dying, celebrations continued. Ambulances were missing. This is a grave failure,” he added.
Vijayendra slammed the government’s decision to order a magisterial inquiry instead of a judicial probe, accusing the administration of prioritizing publicity over people’s lives. He also called the ₹10 lakh compensation announced for victims “inadequate,” demanding ₹50 lakh per deceased and urged RCB team owners to contribute as well.
“The situation is shameful. No crowd control, no medical response, no foresight. The CM, DCMs, and Home Minister must resign,” he demanded.
In response, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who visited the site, clarified that the government did not organize the event. “RCB and KCA planned the celebrations, and we only supported it as it involved the home team,” he said, expressing sorrow over the deaths.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, too, conveyed deep grief and said, “This tragedy should not have happened. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry to be completed in 15 days. We didn’t expect such a massive crowd — the stadium can hold 35,000, but 2-3 lakh people arrived. Even gates were broken.”
The tragic incident unfolded near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2025 win, marking the franchise’s first IPL title victory.