Why is Vijay Facing Criticism Over His Absence from the Karur Stampede?
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Synopsis
Actor-turned-politician Vijay faces significant backlash after a stampede at his rally in Karur results in tragic loss of life. The incident raises questions about safety measures and the impact on his political future.
Key Takeaways
- 39 lives lost in the tragic stampede at Vijay's rally.
- Vijay's late response drew criticism from the public and media.
- DMK government took immediate action, providing aid and compensation.
- Safety measures at political events must be critically assessed.
- The incident could significantly alter Vijay's political narrative.
Chennai, Sep 28 (NationPress) The actor-turned-politician Vijay is currently encountering severe criticism following a tragic stampede at his rally in Karur, which resulted in the loss of 39 lives and left numerous others injured. This unfortunate event occurred on Saturday evening in Velusamypuram, where thousands had gathered for hours under the sweltering sun, awaiting the arrival of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader.
Attendees faced significant challenges, with limited access to food and drinking water. As the crowd surged towards Vijay's vehicle, chaos ensued, leading to many individuals collapsing in the commotion.
Among the casualties were 13 men, 17 women, and nine children, while over 80 individuals were transported to hospitals in Karur and surrounding areas.
Arriving late to the meeting, Vijay quickly departed without addressing the media. Footage at Trichy airport showed him en route to Chennai, and reporters were barred from approaching him at his residence.
His first public response—a message expressing grief and condolences on social media—came nearly two hours after the tragic news emerged.
In stark contrast, the ruling DMK acted swiftly. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin dispatched senior ministers Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Ma. Subramanian to oversee rescue efforts and medical assistance, announcing a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim's family and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
“This is unprecedented in our State's history; we must ensure such a tragedy does not recur,” stated CM Stalin, who later visited Karur to offer solace to survivors and bereaved families.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami also visited Karur Government Hospital, engaging with grieving families and questioning the lack of safety measures in place.
“The government and police should have assessed the crowd and ensured proper arrangements, which clearly did not happen,” he remarked to reporters.
This incident has sharply illuminated the challenges facing TVK's nascent organization. Since launching his party in 2024, Vijay has been criticized for depending on fan clubs over a trained cadre.
At the rally, his team hastily distributed water bottles as attendees began to faint.
Police later confirmed that TVK's own event request estimated only 10,000 attendees, but the actual number far exceeded that.
Local authorities in Karur have filed charges against a TVK functionary for safety violations and are expected to summon Vijay for questioning on Sunday.
Political analysts suggest that this incident has drastically altered the narrative surrounding Vijay's political journey. What began as a celebratory campaign may now test his leadership abilities and accountability regarding public safety in times of crisis.
Point of View
It's essential to approach the incident with a focus on the facts and the implications of Vijay's actions. The tragic loss of life at a political event raises critical questions about accountability and safety protocols that must be addressed, regardless of political affiliations. This event serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with political leadership.
NationPress
28/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede at Vijay's rally?
The stampede was triggered by the crowd surging towards Vijay's vehicle, leading to panic and chaos.
How many people were affected by the incident?
The stampede resulted in 39 fatalities and over 80 injuries.
What was Vijay's response to the tragedy?
Vijay expressed his condolences on social media nearly two hours after the news broke but did not address the press at the event.
What actions did the government take following the incident?
The DMK government dispatched senior ministers to oversee rescue efforts and announced compensation for victims' families.
What implications does this event have for Vijay's political career?
This incident has raised questions about Vijay's leadership and ability to ensure public safety, potentially impacting his political future.
