Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has strongly refuted rumors of him buying a stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rumors had cropped up in the wake of the unfortunate stampede in Bengaluru, with some connecting Shivakumar to a possible investment in the IPL team. But he clarified that he has no business stakes in RCB and outrightly rejected the reports as unfounded.

In a communication to the Financial Express, Shivakumar explained, "I am not a madman. I have just been a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association since my younger days. That's all. I don't have time. Though I had offers to be a part of the management, I have not gone to any of these. I don't have time for my own educational institution. I have resigned and left it to my other family members to take care of it. Why do I need RCB? I don't drink Royal Challenge either." His utterances were intended to end the rumor-mongering and distance himself from any ownership dreams.

Shivakumar also disclosed that though he was approached with proposals to join RCB's management, he rejected them because of lack of time and household responsibilities. Highlighting his non-involvement in such enterprises, he affirmed that even running his own educational institutions had proved beyond him, compelling him to retreat and delegate authority to family members.

Political Firestorm Following Stampede Incident

The rumors came after a political controversy was unleashed following the stampede during an RCB victory celebration event in Bengaluru, killing 11 fans and injuring more than 40. Shivakumar's attendance at the event became the subject of criticism when BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi attacked the Congress state government.

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Joshi even called for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar to resign, holding the government responsible for disregarding advice from police authorities who had apparently cautioned against holding the celebrations within 24 hours of the IPL final. Poonawalla accused the state government of deflecting blame onto the police while dodging responsibility.