BJP's Annamalai Accuses Kamal Haasan of Protecting DMK in Karur Stampede Tragedy

BJP state president K Annamalai has launched a scathing critique of actor-politician Kamal Haasan, accusing him of aligning with the ruling DMK party regarding the Karur stampede incident.

Following Haasan's visit to the stampede site where 41 people lost their lives during actor Vijay's political gathering, Annamalai claimed that Haasan had "sold his soul long ago for one Rajya Sabha seat."

"Kamal Haasan compromised his principles a long time ago for a single Rajya Sabha position. Tamil Nadu's citizens will no longer take his statements seriously or give him the attention he seeks," Annamalai told ANI.

The BJP leader suggested that Haasan's comments were designed to protect the DMK government from responsibility. "His visit to Karur and statement absolving the administration of blame is unacceptable. While Kamal Haasan is an accomplished actor, his political statements consistently favor one side. Even on the Karur tragedy, he chooses to support the DMK," Annamalai further stated.

The September 27 stampede, which claimed 41 lives and injured over 50 people, stands as one of India's worst political rally tragedies in recent memory. It occurred at an event organized by Vijay's newly formed party, Tamila Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

During his Karur visit on Monday, Haasan met with families of the victims and later told reporters, "These aren't just statistics—they're mothers, sisters, and elderly people. An investigation is ongoing. Any government would take responsibility, but since the matter is before the courts, commenting further would be inappropriate." He urged people to avoid taking political positions on the tragedy while praising Chief Minister MK Stalin's "exemplary leadership."

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the DMK government's crowd management capabilities and safety protocols. Opposition parties, including BJP and AIADMK, have called for a thorough investigation, attributing the deaths to administrative negligence.

Two TVK officials, including district secretary Mathiyazhagan, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Senior leaders Bussy Anand and Nirmal Kumar remain fugitives after being denied anticipatory bail by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. All face serious charges, including attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety.

Vijay has alleged a DMK conspiracy behind the incident—a claim firmly rejected by both the ruling party and State Police, who instead accuse TVK of violating safety regulations and using the gathering to demonstrate political strength.