Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Accuses DMK Government of Evading Responsibility for Deadly Karur Stampede

Chennai:

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government's handling of the Karur stampede incident, alleging that the DMK administration failed to protect citizens and is now attempting to deflect blame. Palaniswami questioned the necessity of a government press briefing when the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry had already commenced its investigation into the tragedy.

The Leader of Opposition expressed confusion over why government officials conducted the media briefing instead of elected representatives and ministers. He suggested this unusual approach indicates the Stalin-led government is deeply shaken by the September 27 stampede that resulted in 41 fatalities.

According to Palaniswami, the government's hasty press conference represents an effort to obscure their failure in managing public safety during the incident. The briefing, which occurred shortly after actor-politician Vijay released his own video statement about the stampede, featured senior IAS officer P Amutha as the official spokesperson, alongside Health Secretary P Senthilkumar and ADGP (Law and Order) S Davidson Devasirvatham.

During the briefing at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Fort St George, officials presented video evidence and addressed social media claims regarding the tragedy that occurred at Vijay's TVK political rally. The government also issued warnings against spreading rumors or publishing content that might incite violence.

Palaniswami further questioned whether the government's public statements about the incident might compromise the independence of the Commission of Inquiry. The former Chief Minister did not hold back in his criticism, declaring that the "Stalin government has no morality" and is primarily focused on "escaping responsibility" for the deadly stampede.

His fundamental argument centers on the assertion that through this unusual press briefing approach, the government is attempting to evade accountability for the tragedy rather than addressing systemic failures that led to the loss of 41 innocent lives.