At least 31 killed and over 50 injured during rally for Indian actor-politician Vijay.
At least 36 individuals lost their lives and over 50 were injured during a political rally organized by popular Tamil actor Vijay, who is actively campaigning for elections in Tamil Nadu. This tragic incident occurred in Karur, Tamil Nadu, during a gathering for Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, as announced by state officials.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, confirmed that the casualties included eight children and 16 women, indicating the incident’s devastating impact on families and communities. The rally, part of Vijay’s statewide tour, attracted large crowds eager to hear from the renowned actor-turned-politician, who launched his party in 2024 and is contesting in the upcoming state elections scheduled for early 2026.
Reports indicate that the chaos ensued due to a stampede, prompting state representative Senthil Balaji to share that 58 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the incident. The situation has drawn significant attention, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to visit the site on the following day to offer condolences and support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic event through a post on social media platform X, reflecting the national sentiment surrounding this unfortunate episode. Vijay, known for his remarkable presence in the Tamil film industry and significant following, recently mobilized extensive support during his political campaign, which has raised concerns over safety at large gatherings.
Local media outlets captured the scene at the rally, where thousands gathered to witness Vijay speaking atop a campaign vehicle. In efforts to address the overwhelming crowd, videos showed him providing water to fainting supporters and calling for police intervention as the situation escalated.
In response to this tragedy, Chief Minister Stalin announced a financial assistance of 1 million Indian rupees (approximately ,280) for the families affected by this incident and initiated the formation of an inquiry panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rally.
This incident marks not the first time Vijay’s events have sparked safety worries; reports surfaced last year of at least six fatalities during the inaugural rally of his political party. Despite several police-recommended restrictions aimed at managing the size of gatherings, the enthusiasm of the public often overwhelms local infrastructure, underscoring the complex dynamics of high-profile political campaigning in India.
By actively engaging with communities, Vijay aims to reflect the aspirations of the citizens and has become a significant figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The outpouring of support and engagement at his rallies signifies the depth of his connection to the people.
As the state prepares for crucial elections, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety of large gatherings and fostering an environment where political expression can occur without tragedy.
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