BJP, DMK Spar Over Chennai Air Show Deaths: 'State-Sponsored Murder', 'Happened At Temple Festivals'

The shocking deaths of five spectators at the Chennai air show have sparked a heated exchange between political parties in Tamil Nadu, with the BJP holding the MK Stalin government accountable for the tragedy.

The opposition party has criticised the incident as a sign of government incompetence, while the ruling DMK has downplayed the fatalities, drawing comparisons to accidents at temple festivals.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla described the event as a "state-sponsored murder," stating, "The tragic deaths of five people and more than 200 hospitalised in the Chennai air show is not just a tragedy, it is a state-sponsored murder and disaster for which the DMK government and chief minister (MK Stalin) is directly responsible. The government's focus is on promoting dynasty and corruption... The chief minister, health minister, and the DMK government are responsible for this incident... The chief minister should step down and take responsibility."

DMK leader TKS Elangovan sought to downplay the tragic incident. He explained, "People gathered in large numbers at Marina Beach... The event was organised by the Indian Air Force... The crowd was unexpectedly large, which Marina couldn't accommodate... Similar incidents have happened during temple festivals... Opposition leaders will always criticise us. They don't manage anything. More than 100 people were taken to hospital. The state government has made all the necessary arrangements."

DMK leader Kanimozhi also expressed concern, suggesting that such large gatherings should be avoided.

"The news of the deaths of 5 people was very sad and painful. The public, who came to witness the military flight display at Marina Beach, suffered from the crowd and the intense heat. Unmanageable gatherings should be avoided," she stated.

One person died on the beachfront, while four others lost their lives in nearby areas. Thousands of spectators stood in the scorching sun for two to three hours to watch the event, with many being hospitalised for dehydration and heat-related ailments.

Following the event, major roads, especially those near the beach, were severely congested, and local transport systems, including MRTS and Metro trains, as well as buses, were packed.

Although a stampede-like situation occurred as thousands attempted to leave the venue at once, police reported that they successfully managed the crowd and ensured ambulances had a clear passage.