Has BJP Formed an Eight-Member Panel Led by Hema Malini to Review the TN Stampede?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP has formed a committee to investigate the stampede.
- Hema Malini leads the eight-member team.
- 41 lives lost and over 60 injured in the incident.
- State government to implement new safety regulations.
- Vijay pledges financial support to victims’ families.
Chennai, Sep 29 (NationPress) Following the devastating stampede at actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President J.P. Nadda announced the formation of an eight-member fact-finding committee, which will be led by party MP and renowned actress Hema Malini.
This initiative comes in response to escalating political and public outcry surrounding the tragic incident that took place on September 27, resulting in the loss of 41 lives and leaving over 60 individuals injured.
The fatal crush happened at Velayuthampalayam in Karur as thousands rushed to catch a glimpse of Vijay during an evening campaign.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos triggered by a sudden power outage and overcrowding near the stage, which led to the stampede.
Among the victims were numerous women and children, with several still receiving treatment in hospitals located in Karur and Erode.
The NDA delegation, led by Hema Malini, also includes former Union Minister and Lok Sabha BJP MP Anurag Thakur, BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya, Brij Lal, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde, BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Putta Mahesh Kumar.
The team is set to visit the site of the stampede, engage with affected families, converse with local officials, and compile a report for the BJP's central leadership.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, expressed profound sorrow and pledged to take stringent action following the findings of the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan-led Commission of Inquiry.
He also stated that the state government would establish new safety guidelines for public gatherings to avert future tragedies.
Stalin urged caution on social media and called for the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami described the incident as "heart-wrenching" and demanded a thorough and transparent investigation.
He questioned the state's preparedness in managing large crowds and insisted on accountability for any administrative failures.
TVK Chief Vijay, who referred to the fatalities as a "political conspiracy," has filed a petition with the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, seeking a CBI or independent investigation.
He announced a financial aid of Rs 20 lakh for each bereaved family and affirmed his party's commitment to supporting those affected by this unimaginable loss.
With several inquiries ongoing — including the state's judicial probe, Vijay's legal petition, and now the BJP's independent review — the Karur stampede has transformed into a politically charged issue that could influence discussions leading up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.