C T Ravi
Credit: DH File Photo
Davangere: Admitting that BJP also made a mistake, MLC C T Ravi said, the BJP's post on X urging the state government to grant permission for RCB to celebrate their maiden IPL trophy was also a hasty decision. "I had said on June 2 that not to go overboard with fanfare. I was criticized on social media that day. After the stampede tragedy, many netizens expressed that my opinion was correct," CT Ravi claimed.
Addressing media persons, here on Thursday, he said the stampede in Bengaluru that claimed the lives of 11 cricket fans during the celebration of RCB team's victory in final of IPL-2025 after 18 years, was not an accidental incident. But it was the criminal negligence of the Congress-led government in Karnataka that led to the tragedy. Therefore, the state government should admit its mistake and apologise to the people, he demanded.
Addressing media persons, here on Thursday, he said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made it clear that the state government organised celebrations only on the steps of the Vidhan Soudha. "So, are you the Chief Minister only on the steps of the Vidhan Soudha? If you say so, we will make you sit on that step itself,'' he taunted.
Coming down heavily on the state government, he said, "Is RCB, a team from Karnataka? Is the Karnataka government trying to promote the business man Vijay Mallya's brand? If the government had been restrained instead of hasty, this tragedy would not have happened. Even after this tragedy, is it polite to eat dosa and kiss the cup?'' he asked.
Opposing the victory celebrations, he said there was no need for it. Earlier, Mallya was the owner, then it could have been said that Kannadiga is the owner. Now, even the owners are not from Karnataka. Except for cricketer Mayank Agarwal, no one is from Karnataka. The RCB team did not represent the state or the nation. This is a programme organised by the government to gain popularity of cricket, he charged.
Reacting to the Congress MLA's statement that there are incompetent ministers in the government, Ravi, who is also former minister said, the entire government is incompetent and it is involved in several scams. The contractors have accused it of 60 percent commission. This government needs to be changed, he said.
Reacting to the Congress leader's statement that the ED raid was politically motivated, Ravi said, The ED raid was conducted because of corruption in Valmiki Corporation. Will they justify the scam in this case?," he questioned.