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Bengaluru, June 26: In the wake of the June 4 stampede in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), M.A. Saleem, has issued a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve crowd management during large events and mass gatherings.

The new SOPs, released on June 26, focus on pre-event planning, emergency preparedness, and controlled crowd dispersal, aiming to ensure public safety and accountability at high-footfall venues.

🔹 Pre-Event Planning & Risk Assessment

The SOPs mandate:

•    Simulations and spatial analysis to identify high-risk zones and bottlenecks.

•    Comprehensive safety audits of venues to ensure compliance with emergency evacuation protocols.

•    Rejection of event approvals if the venue fails to meet safety standards.

🔹 Coordination with Organisers

Police units are directed to:

•    Collect key event details such as expected footfall, type and timing of the event, assembly/dispersal plans, and emergency service availability.

•    Establish seamless communication channels with event organisers to avoid confusion during the event.

🔹 Crowd Management Planning

The force has been instructed to develop:

•    A well-defined crowd management plan with clearly assigned roles.

•    Movement control protocols, queue management systems, and entry screening procedures.

•    Adequate signage, public communication infrastructure, and a command structure for quick decision-making.

🔹 Emergency Preparedness

The SOPs call for:

•    A dedicated emergency response plan.

•    Regular training and mock drills for personnel.

•    Clear instructions for on-ground operational conduct during emergencies.

🔹 Crowd Dispersal & Use of Force

The police chief has laid down a specific protocol for crowd dispersal:

•    Use of force should be a last resort, applied only when absolutely necessary and in the minimum required quantity.

•    Mass arrests should be avoided unless legally and operationally justified.

🔹 Documentation and Accountability

All actions taken during such events must be documented, with proper log maintenance and adherence to legal arrest procedures, where applicable.

Indian National Congress’ national media panelist Aishwarya Mahadev has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Social Media Department.

In an official press release, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal stated, “The AICC has approved the proposal for the appointment of Ms. Aishwarya Mahadev as the Chairperson of the Social Media Department of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect.”

Aishwarya is the daughter of late Congress leader and former MLA Manchanahalli Mahadev, who passed away 14 years ago. 

Despite losing her father at a young age, Aishwarya has remained deeply involved in the party’s activities from early on. She rose through the ranks to become Secretary of the Congress Mahila Morcha (Women’s Wing) at a young age and has held several important responsibilities since then.

Over the years, she has gained prominence as a bold and articulate spokesperson for the Congress, often representing the party in televised debates and digital platforms. 

Known for her sharp communication skills and strong digital presence, her appointment is seen as a strategic move to further strengthen the Congress party’s outreach in Karnataka ahead of future elections.

Bengaluru, July 1: As senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala prepares to meet Karnataka MLAs amid growing unrest within the party, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain has claimed that over 100 legislators support a leadership change and back Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over as Chief Minister.

Hussain, known to be a close ally of Shivakumar, warned that the Congress risks losing power in the 2028 Assembly elections if the top post is not handed over now. “More than 100 MLAs are in favour of a change. Many have been waiting for this moment. They want good governance and believe DK Shivakumar deserves the opportunity,” he said in a TV interview.

‘May Lose 2028’

“I will definitely raise the issue with Mr Surjewala,” Hussain added, referring to Monday's meeting. “If the change doesn’t happen now, Congress cannot retain power in 2028. This is in the party’s best interest.”

While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recently reiterated that the decision on the Chief Minister post lies with the party high command, Hussain said, “We respect the high command, but it’s our responsibility to speak the truth.”

DKS Camp Pushes for Rotation

The current discontent traces back to the 2023 Assembly elections, when the Congress registered a resounding victory. Shivakumar, then KPCC president, was widely credited for the win and was seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post. Eventually, he was persuaded to accept the roles of Deputy CM and state party chief.

While there were reports of a power-sharing or rotational CM deal between Shivakumar and incumbent Siddaramaiah, no official confirmation ever came from the party.

Top Brass Denies Change

Randeep Surjewala, who was rushed to Bengaluru by the party high command, dismissed speculation of a leadership change. He described his visit as a routine organisational exercise focused on governance and party development, calling any talk of a leadership shake-up “a figment of imagination.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, too, downplayed the buzz. Speaking in Mysuru with Shivakumar at his side, he said, “This government will be as solid as a ‘bande’ (rock) for five years.” Holding hands with the Deputy CM, he added, “We are on good terms. We don’t listen to what others say.”