A devastating tragedy struck Tamil Nadu on Saturday as a stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed 31 lives. Police sources said the chaos began when several people fainted amid a massive surge forward in the packed crowd. Officials estimate that nearly 30,000 people had gathered at the venue, awaiting Vijay’s arrival after his Namakkal rally. However, his schedule ran over six hours late, during which time the crowd swelled uncontrollably. The delay, combined with inadequate crowd management, is being viewed as a critical factor behind the disaster.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep shock, announcing immediate medical assistance for the injured and directing senior officials, including the ADGP, to restore order. Ministers Anbil Mahesh and Senthil Balaji were tasked with coordinating relief on a war footing.
This is not the first time Vijay’s rallies have drawn scrutiny for crowd mismanagement. Earlier this month in Tiruchi, a 20-minute ride from the airport to the venue stretched into six hours as thousands thronged his convoy, paralyzing the city. The police had since imposed strict conditions on TVK rallies, barring convoy receptions and urging vulnerable groups to follow events online. Yet, these guidelines were openly defied by supporters, many of whom brought children and infants to Saturday’s event.
The Madras High Court had already warned about safety lapses at Vijay’s rallies, pointedly asking who would bear responsibility if lives were lost. Saturday’s tragedy makes those concerns grimly prophetic. The incident raises urgent questions: Did the prolonged delay in Vijay’s arrival worsen the risk? Were police measures sufficient despite prior warnings? And most crucially, how much responsibility does Vijay bear as both a political leader and the face of the movement?
As grieving families mourn, the state awaits Vijay’s response.
