TVK Halts Vijay's Campaign Following Karur Tragedy

In the wake of a tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives during a rally in Karur, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has announced a temporary suspension of actor Vijay's statewide campaign. The decision comes just days after the incident, which also left many injured. The party stated that all planned events over the next two weeks will be postponed, with revised details to be shared later.

Vijay's campaign, which began on September 13, aimed to connect with the public ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. He had already visited several districts, including Tiruchirappalli and Nagapattinam. The stampede occurred on September 27, reportedly due to overcrowding and inadequate facilities at the venue, despite the long wait for Vijay's arrival.

In a heartfelt video message, Vijay expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, "My heart is filled with pain and only pain." He acknowledged the large crowds at his rallies, attributing them to the affection of his supporters. However, he maintained that neither he nor his party was at fault, as they had received police permission for the event. He assured that TVK's political journey would continue with renewed strength.

Following the announcement, TVK instructed its district secretaries to refrain from seeking police permissions for upcoming rallies. This includes the cancellation of a meeting scheduled for this Saturday in Vellore and Ranipet. The party had initially planned to conduct weekend rallies across districts until December, but insiders suggest that Vijay may not return to campaigning until late October.

In light of the recent events, party officials have been advised to exercise caution in their social media communications. They have been instructed to avoid commenting on the Karur incident to prevent any potential legal complications. Local police have also been directed to enforce stricter guidelines for future political events, focusing on crowd management and essential facilities. The next significant political event is anticipated on October 2, when AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is scheduled to campaign in Dharmapuri.