JOIN USChief Minister urges BCCI not to shift City matches
Adequate security would be provided for the matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Chief Minister said. The BCCI shifted the matches, originally scueduled on April 21 and 22, out of Bangalore in the light of the some explosive devices exploding on Saturday, and two more being found in the City on Sunday.
“We are ready to provide full and adequate security for both the days of the semi-final," he told the media. He stated it was a "matter of prestige and pride" for the State that the games be held in a secure environment.
He rubbished BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla's statement on Sunday afternoon citing City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari stating Bangalore police inability to provide adequate security.
"The statement is far from the truth. The Police Commissioner has reviewed the entire situation and has assured that adequate security is and will be provided to the IPL games," he said.
The Chief Minister stated that there was no need to panic as the explosions were "minor" in nature. Asked if there was any intelligence failure or laxity on part of the City police, Yeddyurappa threw his full support behind the Police and State Intelligence.
Kudos to police
“Perhaps Karnataka Intelligence department is the most efficient in the entire country. They have been receiving and giving out alerts much before any untoward incidents were to occur,” he said.
As for police, Yeddyurappa said that instead of blaming the City police for laxity, they need to be appreciated for ensuring that the IPL game was held smoothly and providing a "great cricketing experience" for the people inside the stadium.
The CM further added that as part of the security cover for the scheduled IPL semi-final matches in the City, the Bangalore City police will be given complete authority to cover the entire Chinnaswamy stadium, outside and inside on the field during the games.
This apart, on the dates scheduled for the semi-final adequate police protection will be provided at the Chinnaswamy stadium, Vidhana Soudha, KempeGowda bus terminus and other important locations in the City.
“As far as terror links are concerned in relation to yesterday's explosion, we have not received any such information,” he added.
“We will take appropriate action against those who want to disrupt the communal harmony and peace in the City. Those behind the explosions will dealt with suitably,” he said.