Vijay Criticizes DMK for Exploiting Karur Stampede
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay launched a sharp attack on the opposition DMK on Saturday, accusing the party of seeking political mileage from the tragic stampede in Karur that claimed multiple lives. Speaking at a public event, Vijay asserted that the DMK's attempts to blame his government were baseless and that the police could have alerted the authorities earlier to avert the disaster.
Details of the Stampede
The stampede occurred on July 8 during a religious festival in Karur district, resulting in at least 12 deaths and over 30 injuries. Preliminary reports indicate that a sudden surge in the crowd near a temple entrance led to the chaos. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd management arrangements were inadequate despite the festival's large turnout. Local officials have been directed to submit a detailed report within a week.
Vijay's Response to DMK Allegations
Addressing the media, Vijay said, "The DMK is trying to make political capital out of a human tragedy. Instead of cooperating with the relief efforts, they are busy pointing fingers. I must ask: why didn't the police, which is under their control in certain districts, inform us about the potential risk? We could have deployed additional forces."
He further added, "Our government has acted swiftly, providing compensation and initiating a probe. The DMK's hypocrisy is evident as they themselves failed to prevent similar incidents when they were in power."
DMK's Counterattack
DMK spokesperson A. Raja responded by accusing Vijay of deflecting responsibility. "The CM's remarks are a desperate attempt to shift blame. The police are under the state government's command, and it is their duty to ensure safety. His statement shows a lack of accountability," Raja said. The DMK has demanded a judicial inquiry into the stampede.
Impact and Political Fallout
The stampede has sparked a heated political debate in Tamil Nadu, with both parties exchanging barbs. Analysts suggest that the incident could influence voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming local body elections. The state government has promised strict action against those responsible for negligence.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have called for a thorough investigation, citing lapses in crowd control. The ruling party maintains that it is committed to preventing such tragedies in the future through better planning and coordination.
