Before BJP Karnataka leaders demand my resignation over the Chinnaswamy Stadium incident, I urge them to first release a list of BJP leaders who resigned when similar tragedies occurred under their rule.

The Chinnaswamy incident was unfortunate, and as a responsible government, we have taken full accountability. Top police officers have been suspended, the state intelligence chief transferred, and my Political Secretary relieved of duties.

We have formed a one-man commission led by retired Justice John Michael Cunha for a comprehensive probe. Yet, BJP’s protests show they care more about politics than people.

For BJP, politicizing death is nothing new. Be it accident, murder or assault, their first response is to blame others. The people of Karnataka see through this drama.

We understand the pain of families affected by tragedies. That is why we never politicize such incidents. BJP, on the other hand, tries to politicize just to provoke unrest.

Let’s remind BJP of history: In 2002, ~2000 innocents were killed in Gujarat riots. Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee asked CM Modi to resign, but he did not. Nor did he express regret. BJP, answer this before seeking resignations.

In April, 26 Indians were killed by terrorists in Poonch. Did we ask PM Modi to resign? No. We demanded a special Parliament session and even that was denied. Till now, not a single perpetrator has been identified. Who should resign for this failure? Pandit Nehru? Rahul Gandhi?

For two years, Manipur burned. Hundreds died. Yet CM Biren Singh clung to power for 20 months and stepped down only after SC intervention. Why no outrage from BJP then? Where was their moral compass? In Gujarat’s Morbi, a bridge collapsed killing 140 people. In Jan, 30 pilgrims died at Mahakumbh. BJP CMs didn’t resign, nor were proper probes done. What moral authority does BJP have to question us?

Our government is accountable to 7 crore Kannadigas. We have already acted against those prima facie negligent in the stampede. The judicial commission’s report will guide us further, and we won’t hesitate to take tough action:

Siddharamaiah – CM of Karnataka

Siddaramaiah – File Pic