Chennai: A day after the tragic stampede at his rally in Karur that claimed 39 lives and left around 60 others injured, actor-turned-politician Vijay announced financial assistance for the affected families.
In a heartfelt note shared on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) official X account, Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Thinking about what happened in Karur yesterday, my heart and mind are overwhelmed with profound heaviness. In the midst of the immense grief of losing our loved ones, I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures,” he wrote.
The TVK president said that the faces of the victims he met kept flashing in his mind, and while words could not ease the pain, it was his duty to stand with the families in their time of grief. “As a member of your family, I intend to provide ₹20 lakh to each family that has lost a loved one and ₹2 lakh to those who are injured and receiving treatment. This amount may not be significant in the face of such a loss, but at this moment, it is my duty to stand by you, my dear ones, with a heavy heart,” he said.
Vijay also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, assuring that TVK would continue providing necessary support. He concluded with, “By the grace of God, let us strive to recover from all this.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing mourning and relief efforts after one of the worst stampedes in Tamil Nadu’s political history. Officials said the tragedy was triggered by severe overcrowding at the rally venue. While permission was granted for only 10,000 people, reports suggest over 50,000 attended, leading to chaos, panic, and the deadly stampede.
