September 27, New Delhi/Karur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which has left at least 31 people dead and more than 30 critically injured.
Calling it a “deeply saddening” tragedy, the Prime Minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”
The Karur Stampede
The stampede broke out late Saturday during Vijay’s rally organized by his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Witnesses reported that the crowd, which had been waiting for several hours, surged forward when Vijay appeared, leading to chaos. Hospitals in Karur were quickly overwhelmed as ambulances rushed victims for treatment.
Visuals from the scene showed panic-stricken crowds and emergency teams carrying the injured. Vijay was forced to briefly pause his speech as the situation turned critical.
Political Reactions
The tragedy has sparked sharp political exchanges. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla termed the incident a “state-sponsored murder”, holding both the ruling DMK and Vijay responsible for alleged negligence in crowd management.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin assured immediate assistance, directing ministers and senior officials to coordinate relief operations. In a statement on X, Stalin said:
“The news from Karur is deeply worrying. I have directed urgent medical aid and deployed senior ministers and the ADGP to oversee relief on a war footing. I request citizens to cooperate with doctors and police.”
Vijay’s Silence and Public Outrage
Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who recently launched TVK, is yet to issue a detailed statement following PM Modi and CM Stalin’s remarks. Initial visuals showed him leaving Trichy airport hours after the tragedy.
The incident has triggered widespread grief across Tamil Nadu and renewed calls for stricter crowd control and safety measures at political rallies. Experts warn that overcrowding and inadequate security arrangements continue to pose major risks at mass gatherings.
Compensation and Next Steps
Tamil Nadu government officials confirmed that ₹10 lakh ex-gratia will be provided to families of the deceased, along with medical support for the injured. Rescue operations continue, with the toll expected to rise as several remain critical.