BJP Seeks Special Assembly Session on B’luru Stampede: LoP Ashoka
A tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4 has claimed 11 lives and left 56 injured, leaving the city in shock. The incident has raised several questions about the preparedness of the authorities and the safety measures in place. In the wake of this tragedy, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, has demanded a three-day special session of the state legislature to discuss the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking to the media, Ashoka emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the stampede, which occurred during a protest by saffron-clad activists who were demanding the release of a Hindu activist arrested in a hate speech case. “Call a special session…discuss who was at fault…all violations need to be discussed,” he asserted.
Ashoka’s demand for a special session comes at a time when the state government is under pressure to explain the circumstances that led to the stampede. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the lack of preparedness and the inadequate response by the authorities.
The stampede occurred when the activists, who were protesting outside the stadium, suddenly surged towards the main gate, causing chaos and panic among the crowd. Eyewitnesses have described the scene as “absolute chaos,” with people pushing and shoving each other to escape the stampede.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of large gatherings in the city. Bengaluru is known for its vibrant cultural and sporting events, which attract large crowds. However, the stampede has highlighted the need for better crowd control measures and emergency response systems.
Ashoka has also sought more CCTV cameras around Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, citing the large gatherings expected at such events. “We need to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future. Installing more CCTV cameras around Vidhana Soudha would help in preventing such tragedies,” he said.
The BJP leader’s demand for a special session has been welcomed by many, who feel that it is essential to hold a comprehensive discussion on the incident to identify the causes and prevent such incidents in the future. The opposition parties in the state have also demanded a thorough investigation into the stampede and have called for the resignation of the state government.
The state government, however, has defended its response to the incident, saying that it acted promptly to evacuate the injured and provide medical assistance. The government has also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those who were injured.
While the state government’s response has been criticized by many, the incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large gatherings. The city’s police department has been criticized for its failure to anticipate the surge in crowd and to respond effectively to the situation.
In the aftermath of the stampede, the city’s residents have come together to pay their tributes to the victims. A candlelight vigil was held outside the stadium, and many have expressed their shock and grief at the tragedy.
As the city struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, the demand for a special session of the state legislature is gaining momentum. The people of Bengaluru are eagerly waiting to see how the government responds to the crisis and whether it takes concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
