‘Deeply distressing’: BJP’s Annamalai blames DMK for Karur stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

“In Karur, the news that approximately forty people, including children, lost their lives due to a stampede at a gathering attended by Thaveka leader Vijay is deeply shocking and distressing,” Annamalai said, describing the tragedy as “deeply distressing.”

He faulted the state police for failing to manage crowd safety.

“It is the responsibility of the police to accurately estimate the number of attendees, select an appropriate venue accordingly, and deploy an adequate number of police personnel to ensure the safety of the public attending the event,” he said.

The incident was triggered by overcrowding during Vijay’s address, forcing the actor-politician to cut short his speech as people fainted and ambulances struggled to enter the packed venue.

Annamalai also flagged reports of a power disruption, saying inadequate arrangements worsened panic.

“The Tamil Nadu government and the police acting with such negligence is highly condemnable,” he said.

Accusing the government of bias, he added: “The DMK government, which deploys the entire district police force to provide security for gatherings organised by DMK members, has made it a habit to fail in providing adequate security arrangements for events held by opposition parties.”

He urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to ensure immediate compensation for the victims’ families and proper treatment for the injured. Annamalai also called for a probe.

“A probe must determine whether the tragedy was the result of insufficient security, poor crowd control, or the sudden power outage. Strict action should follow against those responsible,” he said.

Officials said permission had been granted for 10,000 attendees, but nearly 50,000 people turned up at the 1.2 lakh sq ft venue, leading to chaos. Several victims included children and the elderly, according to an India Today report.

Chief Minister Stalin termed the developments “worrying” and said he had directed ministers and senior officers to provide urgent assistance in Karur.

DMK leader Senthil Balaji and the district collector visited hospitals where victims were admitted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the deaths, calling the incident “deeply saddening” in a message on X.

The Karur rally, part of Vijay’s state-wide campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, has sparked fierce political debate, with the opposition highlighting lapses in safety arrangements.