Bengaluru stampede: BJP, JD(S) doing politics over ‘dead bodies’, says DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of doing politics over "dead bodies", as he hit out at them for demanding his resignation following the June 4 stampede here that killed 11 people.

The stampede occurred on Wednesday evening in front of the Chinnaswamy stadium, where a large number of people gathered to participate in the RCB team’s IPL victory celebrations.

"They (opposition) are trying to do politics over dead bodies. We are not doing it. We have sincerity...what do they have to target me? In what way am I responsible?" Shivakumar asked.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Karnataka State Cricket Association wrote (to the government) seeking permission. The event was held. I'm Bengaluru minister...I had also gone to the stadium as the Bengaluru minister, what is wrong?"

"I had gone to the airport (to receive the RCB team). I requested them to cooperate as there was no permission for the victory procession. I gave them a Kannada flag and welcomed them. What's wrong? What crime have I committed?" he asked.

On criticism about going ahead with the RCB celebration despite having information about deaths, Shivakumar said, "I had no information, I'm telling you."

The opposition BJP and JD(S) earlier on Friday lashed out at the Congress government for making police officers the "scapegoat" for the stampede and alleged that the entire responsibility for the incident lies with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. They also demanded their resignation.

To the charges that instead of deputy CM resigning, five police officials, including the police commissioner, were made scapegoats by suspending them, Sivakumar said the government and the CM had taken the decision after discussing it in the cabinet.

On demands that there should be action against bigwigs in the government too, he said, "What we should do should be left to us. Listening to someone, or for the sake of someone's criticism we won't act. We know what to do. People have blessed us (to power)."

When reporters asked about the opposition asking for his resignation, the deputy CM, with sarcasm, said, "They are seeking my resignation. Fine, let's fulfil their desire."