Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai, expressed shock after more than 30 people lost their lives in a stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, on Saturday evening. Annamalai calls the incident “deeply distressing.” He blamed the ruling DMK government for “gross negligence” in managing crowd safety at the high-profile event.
“In Karur, the news that approximately forty people, including children, lost their lives due to a stampede at a gathering attended by Thaveka leader Mr. Vijay is deeply shocking and distressing,” Annamalai said.
கரூரில், தவெக தலைவர் திரு. விஜய் அவர்கள் கலந்து கொண்ட கூட்டத்தில், கூட்ட நெரிசலில், குழந்தைகள் உட்பட சுமார் நாற்பது பேர் உயிரிழந்திருப்பதாக வந்துள்ள செய்தி மிகவும் அதிர்ச்சியும், வருத்தமும் அளிக்கிறது. பலர் காயமடைந்து மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளனர். அனைவருக்கும் உரியச்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 27, 2025
Annamalai blames government for poor crowd management
Annamalai criticised the DMK government, saying it is the police’s responsibility to estimate the number of attendees and choose a suitable venue. “For a political party’s gathering, it is the responsibility of the police to estimate the number of attendees, select an appropriate venue, and deploy adequate police personnel,” he said.
The tragic stampede was caused by severe overcrowding, forcing the actor-turned-politician to stop his speech as several attendees fainted. Ambulances struggled to reach the injured through the dense crowd, according to multiple media reports.
Power disruption worsened the situation
Referring to reports of a power outage during Vijay’s speech, Annamalai said the lack of proper arrangements made the panic worse. “Reports of a power cut at the venue are also worrying. The government and police acting with such negligence is highly condemnable,” Annamalai said.
He also accused the Stalin government of being indifferent when it comes to providing security at rallies of opposition parties.
“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 alleged.
Calls for compensation and proper treatment
Annamalai urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to ensure immediate compensation for the victims’ families and direct hospitals to provide proper care to the injured. He also demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede.
“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,” Annamalai said.
Officials said the rally had permission for about 10,000 attendees, but nearly 50,000 people turned up at the 1.2 lakh square feet venue. The overcrowding led to chaos, with children and elderly among the victims.
CM Stalin called the developments “worrying” and said he had instructed senior officials and ministers to rush aid to Karur.
Political reactions and support for victims
DMK leader Senthil Balaji and the district collector visited hospitals where the injured were admitted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, calling it “deeply saddening” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
As Vijay resumes his statewide campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the tragedy has sparked sharp political reactions, with opposition parties pointing to lapses in safety arrangements at Saturday’s rally.