Vijay speaks on Karur stampede tragedy, challenges Stalin govt
"Truth will come out soon," says the TVK chief, questions the FIRs filed against his fans and cadres and hints at conspiracy
Actor and TVK leader Vijay on Tuesday (September 30) gave a video address on the Karur stampede that killed 41 people and injured scores of others. The TVK shared the video clip on social media platforms.
"Truth will come out soon," he said, directly challenging the MK Stalin government in the state. He questioned why the incident happened only in Karur, hinting at a conspiracy.
The address came over two days after a TVK rally in Karur ended in tragedy, as a stampede killed dozens of people on the spot and injured numerous others. A probe is underway.
Also Read: Karur stampede: Why child safety laws failed at Vijay’s rally
Safety always top priority
Vijay described the Karur incident as the most painful moment of his political life, saying his “heart was filled with sorrow” as he offered condolences to families who lost loved ones and prayed for those injured and being treated in the hospital.
He said the people who had come to meet him during the campaign did so out of affection, and that he remained “forever indebted” to that love.
Vijay said that safety had always been his priority when organising rallies and that locations were chosen after consulting police and seeking permission.
He said those precautions were taken in good faith, but “something unfortunate happened” despite them, and that he felt he could not simply leave Karur while many people remained affected.
"I am human too, how can I leave the place (Karur) when so many people were affected," he asked. Vijay said he feared returning to the site might provoke further chaotic or untoward incidents.
Also Read: Karur stampede: YouTuber Felix Gerald arrested for spreading 'fake news'
Truth to emerge soon
He urged that the full facts what triggered the Karur stampede must come out and expressed confidence that the truth would be revealed very soon.
He added that "when the people from Karur come out and say the truth, it feels as if God himself tells the truth."
Vijay also criticised what the legal action against his party leaders and cadres. He said that the first information report (FIR) had been filed against party leaders, cadres and certain social-media personalities, and warned political rivals against targeting his "people".
Also Read: Karur stampede: TVK district secretary Mathiyazhagan arrested
Vijay hits out at Stalin
Directing an appeal to the state chief minister, MK Stalin, Vijay said that if the government wanted to take “revenge” against him personally, it should do so — but “don’t touch them.” He added that he was available either at home or at his office.
He thanked leaders of other political parties who, he said, had shown solidarity and understood the pain of victims. Vijay noted that he had campaigned across five districts without similar incidents and asked why the tragedy had occurred only in Karur.
Concluding on a defiant note, Vijay said his political journey would continue — “stronger, bolder” — while pledging to meet the public again soon.