What Measures is TVK Taking After the Karur Tragedy?
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Synopsis
In response to the tragic stampede in Karur, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has launched 'Thondar Ani', a dedicated volunteers' wing for crowd management. This initiative aims to enhance public safety at events, backed by training from retired police officials. Discover how this move could transform TVK's organizational approach ahead of the 2026 elections.
Key Takeaways
- 'Thondar Ani' aims to enhance crowd safety at events.
- Tragedy in Karur prompted the formation of this volunteer wing.
- Training is provided by experienced retired police officials.
- The initiative reflects a commitment to public safety and organization.
- TVK is expanding its grassroots presence significantly.
Chennai, Nov 4 (NationPress) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has introduced a new volunteers' division, 'Thondar Ani', aimed at enhancing crowd management and ensuring public safety during its events and campaigns.
This initiative comes in the wake of the tragic stampede on September 27 in Karur, where 41 individuals lost their lives and over 60 were injured during Vijay's roadshow, marking one of the largest political gatherings the party has ever organized.
As per party insiders, the incident highlighted the lack of a systematic volunteer network to manage large crowds, which led to the establishment of Thondar Ani, modeled after the DMK and MDMK, both of which have trained internal teams to handle sizable public meetings.
The newly formed wing will manage crowd flow, set safety boundaries, and work in conjunction with police and medical teams during all significant events.
Seven retired police officials, including V.A. Ravikumar, IPS (ADGP, Retd.), P. Ashokan (ASP, Retd.), Sabibulla (Ex-DSP), Thillainayagam (DSP, Retd.), R. Sivalingam (DSP, Retd.), R. Lakshminarayanan (DSP, Retd.), and R. Mathiarasu (DSP, Retd.), have conducted training for selected TVK members.
This training encompassed crowd psychology, public safety measures, coordination with law enforcement, and emergency response strategies. Insiders noted that this initiative is part of Vijay's larger strategy to professionalize TVK's organizational framework in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly elections.
“Vijay aims for the party to be recognized for its discipline, organization, and readiness. Thondar Ani will guarantee that our events are secure for the public while upholding order and efficiency,” stated a senior party leader.
In addition to creating Thondar Ani, TVK has appointed leaders for its students', women's, and volunteers' branches across 65 district units, indicating a significant grassroots expansion.
The party's recent gatherings across Tamil Nadu have attracted record-breaking crowds, highlighting the increasing mass appeal of Vijay's political movement and the pressing need for a solid internal framework to manage such assemblies safely and responsibly.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the importance of public safety in political events. TVK's proactive approach in establishing 'Thondar Ani' is a commendable step towards ensuring that future gatherings are managed with care and professionalism, particularly in light of recent tragedies. Such initiatives highlight the need for accountability and preparedness in political organizations.
NationPress
04/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Thondar Ani'?
Thondar Ani is a newly launched volunteers' wing by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam focused on crowd management and public safety during events.
Why was 'Thondar Ani' created?
It was established after the tragic stampede in Karur, highlighting the need for a structured volunteer force for crowd control.
Who is training the volunteers?
Training sessions are being conducted by seven retired police officers with expertise in crowd management and public safety.
What are the goals of 'Thondar Ani'?
The wing aims to oversee crowd movement, maintain safety perimeters, and coordinate with law enforcement and medical teams during events.
How does this initiative relate to the upcoming elections?
This effort is part of Vijay's strategy to professionalize TVK's structure ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
