• Source:JND
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Bengaluru News: Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday that the felicitation event for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium was held without official permission. He said the lack of prior approval hindered the police from making adequate security arrangements, which may have contributed to the stampede incident.

Responding to allegations made by BJP State president BY Vijayendra, who blamed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for the stampede, Yathindra said it was unfair to hold the CM responsible for a programme that was conducted without proper authorisation, as reported by The Hindu report.

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“Was permission granted for the event? No. Without permission, the police couldn’t make proper arrangements,” Yathindra pointed out.

He called the incident “unfortunate” and confirmed that the Chief Minister had already taken preliminary action against officials found at fault. A judicial inquiry is underway and Yathindra stressed that further steps will be taken based on the probe’s outcome.

“Let the inquiry finish first. How can you blame anyone before knowing the facts?” he questioned, criticising the BJP for politicising the tragedy.

He further questioned the BJP’s silence on similar stampedes in States governed by the party or its allies, such as Uttar Pradesh during the Kumbh Mela and Andhra Pradesh in Tirupati. “What action was taken in those cases? The Congress government in Karnataka ordered a judicial probe immediately,” he said.

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Addressing speculation around the Chief Minister’s position, Yathindra dismissed any claims of internal rifts. “There is no threat to Siddaramaiah’s role as Chief Minister,” he said, adding that opposition parties were spreading such claims for political gain.

He also clarified that the recent visit of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi focused primarily on the caste census issue. The Congress had committed to implementing the caste survey in its election manifesto, and discussions with the central leadership were held to resolve this matter.

“There is no deadline set for the CM’s tenure. He will continue for the full five-year term,” Yathindra said in response to media questions.