<p>Belagavi: MP Jagadish Shettar on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, holding them morally responsible for the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL title, which claimed 11 lives.</p><p>Speaking to reporters, Shettar alleged that both leaders chose to go ahead with the event against police advice for political mileage. </p><p>“They have no moral right to remain in office. Blaming others, suspending police officials, or removing the Chief Minister’s political secretary does not absolve them of responsibility,” he stated.</p><p>Referring to reports that the police had advised postponement of the celebrations, Shettar said, “While the public was witnessing a stampede, Siddaramaiah was seen enjoying sweets with his grandson. His claim of being unaware of the incident is irresponsible.”</p><p>He further criticised the Chief Minister’s comparison of the stampede to the one that occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, saying the two situations were incomparable. </p><p>“Crores of people gather at Kumbh, yet crowd management is done effectively. The CM’s attempt to draw a parallel is unacceptable,” he added.</p><p><strong>Progress on Belagavi projects</strong></p><p>Shifting focus to developmental issues, Shettar outlined the work being done in his constituency since being elected as MP. “Several pending central government projects have been revived, with departments now working in co-ordination. Regular review meetings are being held to expedite progress,” he said.</p><p>Shettar said land surveys for the Belagavi-Dharwad direct railway line have been completed, and discussions regarding compensation are underway. He acknowledged the role of the former minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi, under whose tenure Rs 927 crore had been sanctioned for the project.</p><p>On infrastructure development, Shettar said obstacles to the proposed bypass and ring road in Belagavi have been cleared. </p><p>“The centre has sanctioned Rs 3,800 crore for the ring road project. However, the funds have not been utilised by the state government. We hope the work will commence soon,” he added.</p><p><strong>Rebuttal to Hebbalkar’s claim</strong></p><p>Responding to Women & Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who credited Tourism Minister H K Patil for the release of funds for the development of the Renuka Yallamma Temple at Yellammanagudda in Savadatti, Shettar clarified that Rs 18 crore was sanctioned under the Prasad scheme during the tenure of Suresh Angadi and Mangala Angadi.</p><p>He also revealed that Rs 100 crore was recently sanctioned by the centre under the ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Standards’ scheme. </p><p>“This was based on my letter to the Prime Minister’s Office. The PMO has officially acknowledged my proposal, and I have also held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shettar asserted.</p>
<p>Belagavi: MP Jagadish Shettar on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, holding them morally responsible for the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL title, which claimed 11 lives.</p><p>Speaking to reporters, Shettar alleged that both leaders chose to go ahead with the event against police advice for political mileage. </p><p>“They have no moral right to remain in office. Blaming others, suspending police officials, or removing the Chief Minister’s political secretary does not absolve them of responsibility,” he stated.</p><p>Referring to reports that the police had advised postponement of the celebrations, Shettar said, “While the public was witnessing a stampede, Siddaramaiah was seen enjoying sweets with his grandson. His claim of being unaware of the incident is irresponsible.”</p><p>He further criticised the Chief Minister’s comparison of the stampede to the one that occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, saying the two situations were incomparable. </p><p>“Crores of people gather at Kumbh, yet crowd management is done effectively. The CM’s attempt to draw a parallel is unacceptable,” he added.</p><p><strong>Progress on Belagavi projects</strong></p><p>Shifting focus to developmental issues, Shettar outlined the work being done in his constituency since being elected as MP. “Several pending central government projects have been revived, with departments now working in co-ordination. Regular review meetings are being held to expedite progress,” he said.</p><p>Shettar said land surveys for the Belagavi-Dharwad direct railway line have been completed, and discussions regarding compensation are underway. He acknowledged the role of the former minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi, under whose tenure Rs 927 crore had been sanctioned for the project.</p><p>On infrastructure development, Shettar said obstacles to the proposed bypass and ring road in Belagavi have been cleared. </p><p>“The centre has sanctioned Rs 3,800 crore for the ring road project. However, the funds have not been utilised by the state government. We hope the work will commence soon,” he added.</p><p><strong>Rebuttal to Hebbalkar’s claim</strong></p><p>Responding to Women & Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who credited Tourism Minister H K Patil for the release of funds for the development of the Renuka Yallamma Temple at Yellammanagudda in Savadatti, Shettar clarified that Rs 18 crore was sanctioned under the Prasad scheme during the tenure of Suresh Angadi and Mangala Angadi.</p><p>He also revealed that Rs 100 crore was recently sanctioned by the centre under the ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Standards’ scheme. </p><p>“This was based on my letter to the Prime Minister’s Office. The PMO has officially acknowledged my proposal, and I have also held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shettar asserted.</p>
