CM Vijay accuses DMK of politicizing Karur stampede
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Thursday slammed the DMK for attempting to derive political mileage from the tragic stampede in Karur last year. He also faulted the police for their alleged laxity in crowd management during the incident.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Vijay said the DMK's efforts to hold protests and blame the government were a calculated move to divert attention from their own administrative failures. He asserted that the state government had taken full responsibility and provided compensation to the victims' families.
CM unable to visit Karur, families brought to Chennai
Vijay noted that he could not personally visit the 41 affected families in Karur due to security and logistical constraints. However, he arranged for those families to be brought near Chennai, where he met them and offered his condolences. "I spoke to each family, listened to their grievances, and ensured that all possible assistance was provided," he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government had released ex-gratia payments and initiated a judicial inquiry into the stampede. He criticized the DMK for ignoring these measures and instead staging protests that he claimed were aimed at destabilizing the administration.
Police lapses under scrutiny
Vijay also pointed fingers at the local police for failing to implement adequate crowd control measures. He stated that preliminary reports indicated negligence on the part of officers on duty, and promised strict action against those found guilty. "We will not shield anyone responsible for this tragedy," he added.
The stampede, which occurred during a religious festival in Karur, claimed 12 lives and injured over 50 others. The incident had sparked widespread outrage, with opposition parties demanding accountability.
DMK rejects allegations
The DMK, however, rejected Vijay's accusations, calling them a diversionary tactic. Party spokesperson A. Raja said, "The CM is trying to shift blame instead of owning up to the failures of his government. The families deserve justice, not excuses."
Political analysts view the exchange as a sign of escalating tensions ahead of the next assembly elections. The Karur stampede has become a rallying point for the DMK to challenge the ruling party's competence in handling public safety.
