CM Stalin thanks Rahul Gandhi for concern over TN stampede, promises full support to victims
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday for a supportive phone call following the tragic stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur. The incident has left at least 40 people dead, including women and children, and dozens injured, sparking widespread calls for better crowd control in large political events.
Stalin shared his gratitude on X, calling Gandhi “my dear brother” and praising his concern for the victims. “Thank you… for reaching out to me over phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in Karur, and sincerely enquiring about the measures taken to save the precious lives of those under treatment,” Stalin wrote. He highlighted the unity across political lines in the wake of the Tamil Nadu stampede.
The chaos erupted Saturday night in Velluchamipuram, Karur district, during a massive Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally led by Vijay, a popular film star entering politics. Officials say overcrowding turned deadly when fans surged as Vijay left the venue, leading to a deadly crush. Thousands had gathered, drawn by the actor’s star power.
Stalin rushed to the site early Sunday and visited the Government Medical College Hospital to comfort injured victims and their families. He pledged Rs 10 lakh in compensation for each family that lost a loved one and promised a thorough probe by the Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry, headed by a retired judge. The goal? Uncover exactly what went wrong in this Karur rally tragedy and prevent future crowd disasters.
Opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami also stopped by the hospital. He pointed fingers at state police for failing on crowd management, insisting they should have stepped up security for Vijay’s high-profile events. “Adequate safety measures should have been enforced,” Palaniswami said, demanding full accountability from authorities.
Vijay, as TVK chief, expressed deep sorrow over the “irreparable loss” and stepped up with aid: Rs 20 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each for the injured. He urged supporters to stay calm and vowed full support for those affected by the stampede.
The Tamil Nadu government and police now face tough questions on event security planning. Leaders from all parties are pushing for a fair investigation and quick reforms to make rallies safer, especially with Vijay’s growing political buzz drawing huge crowds.
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