“Should Have Listened to the Police”: DMK MP Kanimozhi on Karur Stampede, Criticises Vijay’s Response

Chennai: Days after the tragic Karur stampede that left 41 people dead during actor-turned-politician and TVK chief Vijay’s rally, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi has said that the incident could have been avoided had Vijay’s party heeded police advice.

Speaking to NDTV, Kanimozhi remarked, “Should have listened to the police… the police advised the party to stop a few metres from the venue… we all must listen to the police.”

Referring to the inquiry announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, she added, “We must wait for the panel report.”

Earlier, addressing reporters, Kanimozhi expressed grief over the loss of lives. “It has torn apart families and the dreams they had. I think this is not the time for blaming people, that’s what the CM has also said… It is not the time to blame each other, it is the time to be with the people.”

However, she criticised Vijay’s actions after the tragedy. “Fleeing the scene and not being there, any responsible leader should not leave. Even if you have left, you should make sure that at least your party functionaries are there because people came to see you… I don’t think anybody from their party (TVK) has been there to reach out to the people.”

In contrast, Vijay, in his first video statement following the tragedy, said he was deeply pained by the incident. “I have not faced a painful situation like this in my life. My heart aches. There is only pain in my heart. Public came to see me in the rally. I am always grateful to the love and affection people have given me. In order to ensure there should be no compromise on safety of people, I kept politics aside and chose a place that was safe for the people and requested the police department. But what should not have happened, happened,” Vijay said in Tamil.