DMK-TVK Clash Intensifies: Vijay Criticized for Not Visiting Karur Stampede Victims as Political Blame Game Continues

41 people lost their lives and at least 60 were injured in the stampede during actor Vijay's political rally last month.

The political confrontation between the DMK and actor-politician Vijay's party, TVK, continues to intensify over the September 27 stampede incident in Tamil Nadu's Karur. The DMK has criticized the TVK chief for not personally visiting the families of the victims, labeling his "deceitful silence" as disrespectful to those who lost loved ones.

"Today marks 20 days since a major tragedy occurred due to a party's reckless efforts to gather crowds in Karur purely for publicity. They have neither personally visited the families of innocent people who died while coming to see him, nor offered condolences or provided relief funds. This deceitful silence shows disrespect to the bereaved families," stated the DMK IT Wing in a post on X.

The DMK questioned whether Vijay lacked time or if his "script was not ready," adding, "Or is humanity simply missing from that party's dictionary? Or will you use the same excuse again, claiming you requested protection from fans but were denied permission?"

TVK spokesperson Loyola Mani responded assertively, claiming that Chief Minister MK Stalin's party is deliberately "creating obstacles" to prevent Vijay from visiting Karur.

"The public is well aware that this government is placing numerous obstacles to prevent our leader Vijay from meeting affected people. He will definitely meet them. You deny permission when it's requested through proper channels. Is it appropriate for those who follow anti-democratic practices by delaying and denying permissions to speak on this matter? You lack the qualifications," Mani stated.

Mani further accused the DMK administration of operating with an "empty propaganda model" and misleading the public without taking accountability.

"It's painful that the administration deceives people without being accountable. This government lacks the competence to provide adequate security for public events. People across Tamil Nadu are pointing to you as the cause of such significant loss," he emphasized.

The TVK leader continued, "People are questioning whether your government bears responsibility for the tragic Karur incident. Particularly, affected families are raising concerns. Isn't it shameful to shift all blame onto us without the courage to respond? The public hasn't believed your accusations against us. People are asking if you orchestrated this somehow. Do you have the courage to answer their questions?"

Earlier this month, Vijay spoke with the families of those who perished in the stampede via video call to console them. During these interactions, he promised to visit them soon.

The stampede claimed 41 lives and injured at least 60 people during Vijay's political rally. Officials reported that nearly 30,000 people gathered at a venue designed to accommodate only 10,000. Security guidelines were violated, and inadequate arrangements for food and water contributed to the tragedy.

Vijay, originally scheduled to arrive at 12 pm, appeared around 7 pm. By then, the crowd had grown substantially, with his campaign bus triggering another surge. Many attendees climbed trees, roofs, and power lines, forcing authorities to cut electrical connections to prevent electrocutions. When Vijay finally arrived, people began pushing one another and throwing footwear at his bus to attract his attention, resulting in many fainting. Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the crowd.

Following the incident, Vijay announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for each victim's family and Rs 2 lakh for the injured. He also suspended his statewide tour.

TVK Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan was arrested for lapses that led to the tragedy but was released today after the court declined to extend his judicial custody. Cases have also been filed against TVK's General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar, who remain at large.