'Did we seek PM's resignation after Pahalgam attack': Jarkiholi defends Karnataka govt on Bengaluru stampede

Chikkamagaluru: Launching an attack on the BJP, Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Sunday asked, "26 civilians died in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Is it not a failure on the part of the Union Government? Did we, as the Opposition, demand the Prime Minister's resignation?"

Speaking to mediapersons at the District Congress Committee office in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday, he said that many untoward incidents have taken place during the terms of the previous state governments. "However, the Congress did not seek resignation of the chief ministers then. During the Indo-Pak war, all parties had stood with the ruling party," he said.

Admitting that there had been a failure in managing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s IPL victory celebrations which led to a stampede in Bengaluru, the minister said there was no need for resignations for the same.

"Everything about the event is a mystery right now. Nobody knows who sought the permission for the event or who denied or issued the permission. Investigations will reveal who was at fault," Jarkiholi stressed.

Reacting to a query, the minister said that the high-command of the Congress might seek a clarification from those concerned or summon them to Delhi. "The high-command may issue directions or give suggestions so that similar incidents do not get repeated in future."

Jarkiholi clarified that there would be no change of Chief Minister for the time being. "Who said that the CM will be changed after two-and-a-half years? Siddaramaiah himself will continue," he stated.