Karnataka Governor had planned to invite RCB players to Raj Bhavan for a felicitation ceremony, but the state government informed him that the event would be held at Vidhana Soudha instead, sources in Raj Bhavan exclusively told India Today.

Raj Bhavan sources also revealed that the Chief Minister officially invited the Governor to participate in the Vidhana Soudha event.

This, however, contradicts Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier statement where he said the felicitation was not a government event and that Karnataka State Cricket Association had invited the Governor.

“After the DPR communication, the Chief Secretary asked me, and even the police agreed to organise the event. That’s when I gave the green signal. After that, KSCA’s treasurer and secretary invited me to attend. It wasn’t a program organised by me. It was their event, they even invited the Governor, so I attended. Beyond that, I had no role,” Siddaramaiah had told reporters on Sunday.

Siddaramaiah was responding to criticism over the stampede. He said: “What wrong have I done? BJP and JDS are politicising this for gain. Kumaraswamy’s claim that I threatened the police is a complete lie.”

“We’ve taken action against negligent officials and ordered the judicial inquiry they demanded. So how is the government at fault?” the chief minister clarified on Sunday.

Siddaramaiah also distanced himself from the tragedy and indirectly placed the police, KSCA and RCB, by saying he was not informed of many of the details of the programme. “That letter never reached me. The DPR department gave permission. I was informed and said go ahead, but I never directed it to be held in front of Vidhana Soudha,” he said.

Sources had earlier revealed that the Bengaluru police had reportedly suggested the celebration be held on Sunday. According to sources, the government ignored the request and proceeded with the RCB felicitation ceremony the day after their IPL victory. 

Source: India Today