Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Mutalik said that it was wrong of the CM to compare the stampede at the Maha Kumbh to the one at the celebrations of the RCB in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

“Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should seek a public apology for the Bengaluru stampede deaths, and stop playing politics over the incident,” Pramod Mutalik, Sri Ram Sene founder, said in Belagavi on June 5.

“What has happened is sad and unfortunate. But, it is not right to play politics over it. No one should play the blame game or play party politics over it. I appeal to the ruling party and the opposition in Karnataka to keep their mouths shut,” he said.

“There is no doubt that organising the victory celebrations without proper preparation in Bengaluru was a mistake by the government of Karnataka. It failed to estimate the number of people who would turn up and ensure foolproof security arrangements. The CM should seek an apology from the people for such errors. There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.

To a query, he said that it was wrong of the CM to compare the stampede at the Maha Kumbh to the one at the victory celebrations of the RCB in Bengaluru. “Both are different events. You can not compare them. The opposition should also stop blaming and insulting the State Government. It is a sad movement, and all of us should keep our mouths shut,” he said.

Mr. Mutalik demanded that cricket players and IPL pay compensation of ₹1 crore to the family of each deceased person.

“If the players exist today, it is because of their fans. They are not only earning money by playing matches, but also by endorsements. IPL and BCCI earn crores of rupees by organising matches. What is the accountability and social responsibility of cricket players and bodies like IPL and BCCI? Are the cricket players sensitive to the problems of their fellow human beings? I have heard that they have plans to release ₹5 lakh per deceased family. That is not enough. The cricket players should also bear a part of the burden,” he said.