Chennai: Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay has expressed deep anguish over the devastating stampede at his rally in Karur that claimed several lives, including children. The superstar-politician took to social media to share his grief, calling the incident “an unbearable pain.”
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Vijay wrote, “My heart is broken. I am in unbearable pain and sorrow. I convey my deepest condolences and sorrow to the families of our beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray that those undergoing treatment in the hospital recover quickly.” His message, simple yet deeply emotional, reflected both his personal shock and the gravity of the unfolding tragedy.
The stampede, which broke out during a heavily crowded rally, left at least 20 people feared dead and many others injured. Thousands of supporters had gathered hours in advance to hear Vijay speak, but as the crowd swelled uncontrollably, chaos led to panic and collapse. Witnesses reported people fainting and struggling for space as ambulances faced difficulties navigating through the congested streets.
Vijay, who was addressing the rally from a custom-built campaign bus, abruptly ended his speech when the situation turned critical. Eyewitnesses recounted that he personally attempted to calm the crowd by throwing water bottles into the sea of people before security forces moved him away from the scene.
Following the incident, Vijay left Karur and returned to his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai. Police have since tightened security around his home amid growing criticism and mounting public scrutiny. Additional police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, as grieving families and opposition parties demanded accountability for what they described as “avoidable negligence.”
The tragedy has sparked intense political backlash. Critics have accused Vijay of leaving the disaster site too quickly, suggesting that his absence may appear insensitive at a time when families are grappling with loss. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK has gone a step further, calling for Vijay’s arrest on grounds of negligence in organizing an overcrowded rally without adequate crowd control.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the TVK chief defended him, highlighting his immediate expression of sorrow and his appeal for prayers. Many pointed out that such rallies often attract massive turnouts beyond expectation, making crowd management a shared responsibility between organizers and local authorities.
The incident marks one of the most serious crises in Vijay’s political journey since launching TVK. Known for his charisma and popularity among Tamil Nadu’s youth, his transition from cinema to politics had drawn massive enthusiasm. However, the Karur tragedy raises serious questions about preparedness, safety protocols, and the balance between star power and political responsibility.
As hospitals in Karur struggle to treat the injured and families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy has left a deep scar on Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape. State Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has already ordered senior officials to monitor the situation closely, promising government support to those affected.
For Vijay, the road ahead is fraught with emotional, political, and moral challenges. While his words of grief have reached millions online, the coming days will determine how he navigates the crisis and reassures a shaken public.