Chorbagan Pandal Stampede: Priyank Kharge Urges BJP to Show Empathy, Not Politics
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge urges BJP to show empathy after a tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal claimed 19 lives.
The tragic Chorbagan pandal stampede in North Kolkata, which resulted in the loss of 19 lives and left 25 others injured, has sparked a political row. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called upon the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to avoid politicising the tragedy, urging them to instead show empathy toward the victims.
Kharge Slams Politicisation of Tragedy
Speaking to reporters, Priyank Kharge described the stampede as an "unfortunate incident" and stressed that such losses of life should not be used for political gain. He specifically targeted the BJP's central leadership and its presence in West Bengal, reminding them of their past reactions to other disasters in the state.
"I would like to draw the attention of the BJP leaders of West Bengal as well as the central leadership to what their comments were when the flyover collapsed in West Bengal, and people had died... My only request is that I hope the BJP learns a lesson from such things. This can happen to anyone, to any government," Kharge stated.
The Minister emphasized that the priority should be compassion and support for the grieving families rather than opportunistic political commentary.
Law and Order Measures in Kolkata
In the wake of the disaster, the Kolkata Police have taken stringent measures to prevent further unrest and maintain law and order. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
These restrictions are in effect from October 18 to October 20 and cover specific areas under the Bowbazar Police Station's jurisdiction, including:
- College Street
- Central Avenue (CR Avenue)
- Colootola Street
- Eden Hospital Road
Arrests Made in Connection to Stampede
The investigation into the cause of the stampede is ongoing, and the Kolkata Police have already arrested seven individuals. Among those detained are key members of the puja committee and those responsible for the infrastructure of the pandal:
- Raj Kumar Sewda (alias Raja), 48: Secretary of the puja committee.
- Santanu Dubey, 55: Vice-president of the puja committee.
- Biplab Mukherjee (alias Joy), 48: The person engaged in the construction of the bamboo structure.
Reaction to Kiren Rijiju's Remarks
Beyond the stampede, Priyank Kharge also took the opportunity to respond to comments made by Kiren Rijiju regarding comparisons between India and Bangladesh. Kharge questioned the basis of such comparisons, asserting that India is a vibrant democracy.
"Who said India is Bangladesh? Is Mr. Rijiju the minister for Bangladesh?" Kharge asked. He further explained that the ability to air differences openly, protest, and provide suggestions to the government is the very essence of democracy, and any attempt to stifle that process is where the real problem lies.