BJP’s Call for Karnataka CM’s Resignation Backed by Athawale, Highlighting Congress Precedent

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has sided with the BJP’s call for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy to resign following the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede. Athawale criticized Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for his stance against the BJP’s demand, pointing out Congress’s history of similar demands. Athawale believes the opposition has a responsibility to call for resignations in the wake of such incidents, referencing the Congress’s demand for the resignation of UP CM Yogi Adityanath after the Mahakumbh stampede. Athawale argued that the government’s mismanagement of the crowd contributed to the fatalities and, therefore, the CM should resign. Siddaramaiah has responded by accusing the BJP of politicizing the situation, questioning why the BJP didn’t call for the resignation of Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister after the Kumbh Mela stampede and a bridge collapse during which a large number of people died. The Karnataka government has taken action, suspending police officers and launching an investigation into the stampede.