Kharge Calls Bengaluru Stampede ‘Accidental’, Asks If Anyone Resigned Over Kumbh, Covid Deaths

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 14:26 IST

Responding to calls for resignations, Kharge asked whether similar demands were made during the Kumbh Mela or when lakhs died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the recent stampede in Bengaluru “accidental" and questioned the selective outrage around political accountability.

Responding to calls for resignations, Kharge asked whether similar demands were made during the Kumbh Mela or when lakhs died during the Covid-19 pandemic. His remarks come amid criticism over the stampede at a government-organized event, which left several dead and injured.

On the BJP’s demand for his resignation over the Bengaluru stampede, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “Around 40–50 people died in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela. Did they demand the chief minister’s resignation then? A bridge collapsed on the day of its inauguration, and 140 people died. Did they demand the prime minister’s resignation then?… The BJP has a habit of misleading people by telling lies and demanding resignations. The BJP does politics in everything…"

Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met the Congress leadership in Delhi on Tuesday to brief them on the June 4 Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives.

The meeting was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

According to sources, Rahul Gandhi expressed displeasure over the incident, calling it avoidable had adequate precautions been taken. He advised the CM and his deputy to ensure such lapses are not repeated and urged state leaders to fix accountability.

The Congress-led Karnataka government has faced intense criticism, with the opposition BJP and JD(S) demanding the resignation of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the mishap.

The Bengaluru stampede on June 4 claimed 11 lives, triggering a political uproar. The incident occurred amid a large crowd gathered to be a part of that RCB celebrations, leading to chaos and a deadly rush.

The Congress-led Karnataka government has come under sharp criticism, with opposition parties holding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar responsible and demanding their resignation.

The Congress leadership has since sought an explanation and urged state authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future lapses.

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