TN CM Stalin Blames Vijay's Delay, Poor Planning for Karur Stampede

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the primary causes of the deadly Karur stampede were a seven-hour delay by actor-politician Vijay and a failure of basic arrangements by his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The stampede, which claimed several lives, occurred as a massive crowd swelled while waiting for Vijay at a political rally. Stalin stated that police planning was upended when Vijay's arrival time was changed, ultimately leading to his appearance seven hours later than the original schedule. This delay caused a surge that stalled his own bus and overwhelmed the crowd control measures.

"The police were prepared for a crowd of 20,000 based on Vijay's popularity, but the actual turnout was around 25,000," Stalin said, defending the state's security preparations, which included over 600 police personnel.

The CM also accused TVK organizers of failing to provide basic amenities and alleged that party workers attacked ambulance drivers who were trying to help the injured. In response to TVK's allegations of a power cut, Stalin stated a generator was turned off to prevent further mishaps.

The Supreme Court has since ordered a CBI probe into the incident, a move welcomed by the TVK.