We are deeply hurt. The victims are our own family. The image of Karnataka, the image of Bengaluru…Yes we take it (responsibility). We are not blaming others though it has happened very unexpectedly – DK Shivakumar, Karnataka , Deputy CM

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar turned emotional over the loss of lives due to the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium and said that Bengaluru has lost its image due to the incident that claimed 11 lives.

Reacting to allegations by the opposition that police had not given permission for celebrations, he said, ” I don’t want to react to any of these BJP guys. I am only answerable to the people of Karnataka and people of the country. All BJP persons are nonsense… They are also the mastermind of these dirty things.”

He also accused that the opposition BJP and JD-S are playing politics on dead bodies and said that the state government has taken full responsibility for the incident.

Speaking to reporters he said, “We are deeply hurt. The victims are our own family. The image of Karnataka, the image of Bengaluru…Yes we take it (responsibility). We are not blaming others though it has happened very unexpectedly. No one expected such a crowd. After 18 years (of wait for RCB’s victory), I don’t know what was boiling in the youngsters and they all came. That is debatable…things have happened”.

“Now let us be part of the grief. We want to respect the deceased. My CM is also shocked, my home minister is also shocked and the entire state is shocked. The state is mourning over this,” he said.