Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has strongly criticized the DMK government over the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, calling it a “case of gross negligence” and demanding accountability for the loss of lives. The incident, which claimed at least 38 lives and injured dozens, has sparked political outrage and renewed scrutiny of crowd management protocols at mass gatherings.
In a press statement issued Saturday evening, Annamalai accused the state administration of failing to enforce safety norms and permitting a rally that far exceeded its sanctioned capacity.
கரூரில், தவெக தலைவர் திரு. விஜய் அவர்கள் கலந்து கொண்ட கூட்டத்தில், கூட்ட நெரிசலில், குழந்தைகள் உட்பட சுமார் நாற்பது பேர் உயிரிழந்திருப்பதாக வந்துள்ள செய்தி மிகவும் அதிர்ச்சியும், வருத்தமும் அளிக்கிறது. பலர் காயமடைந்து மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளனர். அனைவருக்கும் உரியச்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 27, 2025
Annamalai also questioned the role of district officials and law enforcement, alleging that political pressure may have overridden safety advisories. He urged the Governor to seek a detailed report and called for an independent judicial probe.
The BJP leader’s remarks come amid a wave of national condolences, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and President Droupadi Murmu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to visit Karur on Sunday to meet victims’ families and review emergency response efforts.
While the DMK has yet to respond to Annamalai’s allegations, senior ministers have defended the administration’s actions, citing the immediate deployment of medical teams and the announcement of compensation packages.
Civic groups and opposition leaders have demanded stricter enforcement of public safety norms and transparency in event approvals, especially as Tamil Nadu enters a politically charged season ahead of local body elections.