Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay left Karur on Saturday evening without issuing a public statement on the deadly stampede that occurred during his rally, which claimed at least 38 lives and injured dozens. The silence from the party’s top leadership has sparked criticism and concern among civic groups and opposition leaders.
The stampede unfolded during Vijay’s address to a crowd estimated at over 30,000—three times the permitted capacity. Eyewitnesses reported panic, suffocation, and a surge toward the stage, leading to mass casualties. Vijay was seen distributing water and calling for police assistance during the chaos, but left the venue shortly after without speaking to the media or victims’ families.
TVK sources said the leader was “deeply disturbed” and is in touch with officials, but no formal statement has been released. The party’s official social media handles have remained silent, fueling speculation and public frustration.
Political reactions have intensified. BJP’s K. Annamalai called the incident “gross negligence” and blamed the DMK government for crowd-control failures. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged party workers to support relief efforts, while PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to visit Karur on Sunday to meet survivors and oversee emergency response measures. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, and compensation packages are being finalized.
Civic activists have called for greater transparency from TVK and urged all political parties to prioritize public safety over optics. The absence of a direct response from Vijay has raised questions about leadership accountability in moments of crisis.