Karur, Sep 28 (NationPress) The leader of the Tamil Nadu Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited the grieving families of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur.

The calamity has resulted in a death toll of 39, including many women and children, while over 80 individuals are suffering from injuries and are being treated in both government and private medical facilities.

After offering his condolences at the Karur Government Hospital, Palaniswami sharply criticized the inadequate safety measures at the event.

He highlighted reports indicating that a sudden power failure plunged the venue into darkness, which incited panic and led to the tragic crush. “Safety precautions should have been established. TVK previously held gatherings in four districts. Authorities should have predicted the attendance and organized appropriate security measures. Clearly, there was a lack of effective planning,” he stated.

The AIADMK leader also expressed concerns about the insufficient police protection during opposition events. “Even at my campaign rallies, police have not ensured complete security. In contrast, the government guarantees stringent protection for the ruling party’s meetings. This biased approach poses a significant risk. If adequate arrangements had been made, these fatalities could have been prevented,” he remarked.

Palaniswami refrained from directly accusing any individual leader but emphasized the importance of responsibility among political entities. “Leaders must adhere to their scheduled times. Delays result in unnecessary chaos and restlessness among large crowds. I am not specifically blaming anyone, but it’s rare for India to witness such a high number of fatalities at a political gathering. This tragedy highlights failures within the police and administrative systems,” he added.

He also raised concerns regarding reports of an ambulance unexpectedly entering the rally area, suggesting this should be included in the official investigation. “A comprehensive and impartial inquiry is essential. This transcends politics; we owe it to the families who lost their loved ones to uncover the truth,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, sourced from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. A judicial commission led by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will investigate the incident.

Palaniswami urged the government to operate transparently, ensure accountability, and establish new safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. “The government must prioritize protecting lives at public gatherings over political interests,” he concluded.