Chennai, September 30: Actor-turned-politician Vijay on Tuesday released an emotional video message, four days after the Karur rally stampede that claimed 41 lives, explaining why he has not yet visited the victims’ families.
“I have never faced such a painful moment in my life,” the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief said. “I stayed away from Karur to avoid an unusual situation on the ground. I will meet the families of the deceased and injured soon.”
Vijay expressed deep grief over the tragedy, assuring that the truth behind the incident would come out. He also issued a sharp message to the ruling DMK, after police booked senior TVK leaders, including Bussy N Anand and CTR Nirmal Kumar, for alleged lapses in managing the rally.
“Chief Minister, sir, if you want to take revenge, do it against me, not the party workers,” Vijay said, adding that he was prepared to face any action.
The September 27 rally at Velusamypuram near Karur turned fatal when a massive crowd rushed towards Vijay, triggering a stampede that killed 41 people, including women and children, and injured around 60. Police said mismanagement at entry points and a sudden power outage aggravated the panic.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who visited Karur hours after the tragedy, announced compensation and set up a Commission of Inquiry under retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. DMK sources said the government would await the report before fixing responsibility. Stalin had earlier urged people not to spread unverified claims.
Meanwhile, opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami blamed the DMK government for “serious administrative failure,” arguing that better coordination with police could have averted the disaster. He also accused the ruling party of shielding itself while targeting rivals.
With emotions still raw, Vijay’s statement is seen as both reassurance to his supporters and a direct counter to the DMK’s stance. The political fallout now hinges on the inquiry report into one of Tamil Nadu’s worst rally disasters.
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