Tamil Nadu – Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President Vijay has issued his first comprehensive Vijay Karur stampede statement through a video posted on social media on Tuesday, three days after the devastating incident that claimed 41 lives during his rally on September 27. The actor-turned-politician expressed profound grief while defending his party’s safety protocols and challenging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s response to the tragedy.
The Vijay Karur stampede statement marks the TVK chief’s direct public response to criticism surrounding the deadly crush at his political rally. His emotional video message addressed multiple aspects of the tragedy, from personal accountability to allegations of political vendetta against his party members.
Unprecedented Personal Pain and Grief
In his Vijay Karur stampede statement, Vijay emphasized the deeply personal impact of the tragedy, saying he had “never in his life experienced a situation as painful as the one in Karur.” The TVK president described his “heart is heavy with pain” following the incident, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by affected families.
The emotional tone of the Vijay Karur stampede statement reflected genuine distress over the preventable deaths. “What happened should not have happened,” Vijay stated, expressing his recognition that the tragedy represented a failure despite his party’s claimed safety precautions and planning efforts.
Defense of Safety Protocols and Venue Selection
Central to the Vijay Karur stampede statement was Vijay’s defense of TVK’s safety measures during his statewide tour. “Throughout my State-wide tour, people have come to see me out of love and affection. I am always grateful for that,” he said, emphasizing that public safety had been the “top priority” throughout the tour.
The Vijay Karur stampede statement detailed how TVK “focused on selecting venues that were safe for the public, and sought permission from the police,” setting aside political considerations in favor of safety concerns. This defense attempts to counter accusations of negligent crowd management and inadequate safety planning.
Explanation for Not Visiting Incident Site Immediately
Addressing criticism about his absence from the tragedy site, the Vijay Karur stampede statement provided justification for not immediately visiting affected areas. “As a human being, how could I leave the place when so many were affected? I chose not to go there immediately only to avoid the risk of any further unforeseen incidents,” Vijay explained.
This portion of the Vijay Karur stampede statement attempts to reframe his delayed response as a protective measure rather than indifference. Vijay promised to meet affected families and those undergoing treatment “shortly,” expressing wishes for speedy recovery of injured victims.
Questions About Karur-Specific Circumstances
The Vijay Karur stampede statement raised pointed questions about why this tragedy occurred specifically in Karur. “I had campaigned in five districts without any such incident occurring. Why and how did it happen only in Karur? People know the truth; they have seen everything. The truth will come out soon,” Vijay stated.
This questioning within the Vijay Karur stampede statement suggests Vijay believes external factors beyond TVK’s control contributed to the tragedy. The implication that “people know the truth” hints at potential political conspiracy theories or administrative failures by state authorities.
Direct Challenge to Chief Minister Stalin
The most confrontational element of the Vijay Karur stampede statement involved Vijay’s direct address to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding FIRs filed against party members and subsequent arrests. “CM [Stalin] sir, if you want to take revenge, take it against me, not them. I will be at home or in the office,” Vijay declared.
Also Read: Critical NDA Delegation Karur Stampede Investigation Led by Hema Malini
This dramatic appeal in the Vijay Karur stampede statement frames legal proceedings as political revenge rather than legitimate accountability measures. By offering himself as the target instead of party cadre, Vijay positions himself as protecting his followers while challenging the state government’s response.
Commitment to Continued Political Journey
Despite the tragedy, the Vijay Karur stampede statement concluded with defiant determination to continue TVK’s political activities. Vijay declared that his party’s “political journey would continue, stronger and braver than ever,” signaling no retreat from political ambitions despite this setback.
The concluding portion of the Vijay Karur stampede statement attempts to rally party supporters and demonstrate resilience. This commitment to continuing despite the tragedy and ongoing legal challenges reflects Vijay’s determination to maintain political momentum heading toward assembly elections.
Gratitude to Supporters and Political Leaders
The Vijay Karur stampede statement included expressions of gratitude toward political leaders and party functionaries who “understood the situation and extended their support.” This acknowledgment recognizes allies who refrained from criticism during this difficult period for TVK.
Procedural Compliance Claims
Vijay emphasized in his Vijay Karur stampede statement that the rally was held at a location assigned to the party and that TVK had “followed the required procedures.” This assertion attempts to establish that the party fulfilled its legal obligations, implying that responsibility for the tragedy lies elsewhere.
The Vijay Karur stampede statement represents a complex political communication attempting to balance grief expression, accountability deflection, political defiance, and future commitment. Whether this message satisfies critics or further inflames controversy remains to be seen as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rally tragedy in recent memory.
