With video calls, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has started contacting the relatives of those slain in the Karur rally stampede to offer support and condolences. Following days of harsh criticism for his failure to show up at the scene of the tragedy, the move was made. On September 27, during Vijay’s first significant political roadshow since forming his party, there was a stampede in Veluchamipuram, Karur. Nearly 30,000 supporters had arrived since the early hours of the morning, despite the venue’s capacity being limited to a few thousand people.
The tightly packed crowd became impatient when the noontime event didn’t begin until the evening. When Vijay went atop his campaign van to greet fans, witnesses said, commotion broke out, causing a sudden surge that sent several people falling and getting trampled. Over 60 people were injured, and 41 people, including women and children, died in the ensuing stampede. Soon after the tragedy, major figures including Seeman, Premalatha Vijayakanth, Kamal Haasan, and Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami paid visits to the injured and their relatives.
Facing backlash for his absence after the tragic event, Vijay has reached out to around 20 bereaved families via video calls, offering condolences and promising in-person visits. He pledged ₹20 lakh to each family, in addition to state compensation. Senior TVK leaders have been sent to assess needs and show solidarity. The move is seen as both a compassionate gesture and an effort to rebuild TVK’s image and event preparedness.
