Tragic Stampede at TVK Rally in Tamil Nadu Claims 38 Lives: National Leaders Express Grief and Support

Victims were rushed to hospitals after a devastating stampede occurred during a political gathering in Karur, Tamil Nadu.

Leaders across India expressed their profound grief following the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur district, where at least 38 people lost their lives and more than 60 sustained injuries on Saturday.

The calamity unfolded when a portion of the massive crowd surged forward while Vijay was addressing his supporters.

Numerous attendees collapsed in the crush before emergency services could reach the scene.

BJP President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda shared his condolences on social media platform X, stating he was "deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district of Tamil Nadu."

He offered sympathies to the bereaved families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured, adding, "May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy."

Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed being "heartbroken by the tragic stampede in Karur" and urged Congress workers in the area to provide assistance to the injured and support grieving families alongside state authorities.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed his shock and sorrow regarding the "unfortunate and tragic stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, which claimed the lives of several innocent people." He extended condolences and called upon Congress workers to ensure prompt relief and medical assistance.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said he was "deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur," and prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families, concluding his message with "Om Shanti."

President Droupadi Murmu expressed profound distress over the "loss of lives" during actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally. "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured," she stated on social media.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi described the loss of innocent lives, including children, as "deeply pained and anguished." In his statement, he offered "heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this time of grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the news of the fatalities as "deeply saddening," extending support and prayers for the families and the injured.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh characterized the tragedy as "heartbreaking" and offered his condolences while wishing the injured a rapid recovery.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami called the incident "shocking and painful," urging the state government to ensure compensation and comprehensive medical assistance for victims.

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan remarked, "My heart trembles... I urge the government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and relief."

Superstar Rajinikanth also expressed his grief on X, stating, "The news of the loss of innocent lives shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families."

Tamil Nadu Congress leaders conveyed their sorrow and called on party members to assist the injured and their families.

Tamil Nadu BJP former state president K Annamalai criticized the DMK government and state police, demanding a thorough investigation into the failure of crowd management and emergency response.

According to police sources, TVK had requested permission for a roadshow in Karur and, in correspondence dated September 25, indicated an expected attendance of only 10,000 people.

However, the turnout reportedly far exceeded this estimate. The request included an engineer's assessment stating the venue could accommodate up to 60,000 people, but the actual crowd grew beyond manageable levels, resulting in the tragic crush.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a judicial investigation into the incident and financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family, along with Rs 1 lakh for those injured.

He directed senior Ministers and top officials to oversee rescue operations and treatment of victims and is expected to visit survivors and families of the deceased in Karur.

Emergency and medical teams continue their work at Karur Government Hospital and other facilities where numerous victims remain under critical care.

The death toll may increase as some injured individuals remain in intensive care units.