Kozhikode, Sunday 16 January 2010: Senior BJP leader K Sreedharan Pillai alleged that the unfortunate stampede at Pulmedu in Sabarimala was an ‘invited stampede’ by CPM-led LDF Government.

Speaking to media persons here, Pillai, a former BJP State President, alleged that the state government was responsible since it had failed to provide basic facilities for the pilgrims.

The state government did not widen the narrow traditional forest roads, which had resulted in the tragedy, he said. The Centre was also equally responsible for the tragedy, he accused. Demanding a judicial probe into the tragedy, Pillai asked the government to give a solatium of Rs 25 lakh each to the victims.

BJP had submitted memorandums to the government on several occasion on the need of providing basic facilities to the pilgrims, he said.