Chennai : Vijay Karur stampede absence has triggered widespread criticism, as actor-turned-politician Vijay faces backlash for skipping the site where a deadly stampede during his rally in Karur killed 39 people and injured dozens. His decision not to visit the victims has fueled outrage and raised questions about his political responsibility. His absence has sparked heated debate over his political responsibility and commitment to the public.
The tragedy struck on Saturday evening at Velusamypuram, where thousands had waited for hours in sweltering heat for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief to appear.
Many had little access to drinking water or food. As the crowd surged toward Vijay’s vehicle, panic spread, and people collapsed in the melee.
Among the dead were 13 men, 17 women and nine children. Emergency teams rushed more than 80 others to hospitals in Karur and nearby districts.
Vijay, who had arrived late for the meeting, left soon after the event without speaking to the press.
Cameras at Trichy airport showed him heading to Chennai, while at his city residence, securitymen blocked reporters.
His first public reaction – a message of grief and condolences on social media – came nearly two hours after news of the mounting toll broke.
In contrast, the ruling DMK moved quickly. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin dispatched senior ministers Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Ma.
Subramanian to oversee rescue and medical care, and announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
“In our State’s history, never have so many people died at a political meeting. We will ensure such a tragedy is not repeated,” CM Stalin said, later visiting Karur to console survivors and relatives.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami also travelled to Karur Government Hospital, meeting grieving families and questioning the lack of safety measures.
The government and police should have assessed the crowd and ensured proper arrangements, but they failed to do so,” he told reporters.
The incident has thrown a harsh light on TVK’s fledgling organisation. Since launching his party in 2024, critics have accused Vijay of relying on fan clubs rather than building a trained cadre.
At Karur, his team scrambled to pass out water bottles as people fainted.
Karur Police have booked a local TVK functionary for safety violations and are expected to summon Vijay for questioning on Sunday.
Political analysts say the episode has abruptly shifted the narrative around Vijay’s entry into politics.
What began as a triumphant roadshow may now test his ability to lead and answer for public safety when a crisis strikes.
–IANS
