AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has strongly criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, alleging its failure to protect the people during the recent stampede in Karur. The stampede, which occurred during a political event organized by actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), resulted in a tragic loss of life.
Palaniswami questioned the state government's response and accused the DMK regime of neglecting its duty to ensure public safety. He expressed his grief over the loss of lives and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. According to Palaniswami, the stampede was triggered by an electric current, and he asserted that the police should have provided adequate security, especially since similar events had been held in other districts previously. He said that such a huge stampede has never happened before in Tamil Nadu in a political campaign.
EPS accused the DMK government of being biased in providing security at political events, alleging that AIADMK meetings receive inadequate security while DMK events are heavily guarded. He stated that police should not favor the ruling party over opposition parties in providing security. He also pointed out the responsibilities of the organizers in ensuring proper safety protocols were in place. "If full security had been given, such a stampede would not have happened", Palaniswami added.
Palaniswami has expressed skepticism regarding the official inquiry into the stampede, despite the appointment of a one-man commission. He highlighted that many doubts remain, referring to Vijay's observation of an ambulance arriving during the campaign, which he believes raises questions.
He further elaborated, questioning the DMK's "routine ambulance politics" and referencing video footage of a lathicharge. Palaniswami also criticized Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh for what he described as turning their condolence visits into "mere photoshoots".
Accusing the DMK government of discrimination in providing adequate security for the Opposition parties' public events, Palaniswami said that the administration's failure to deploy adequate security personnel led to the stampede during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)'s rally in Karur.
Demanding accountability, Palaniswami has called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Karur incident, citing previous incidents like the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy and a stampede at an air show in Chennai, which he says unmasked the inefficiency of the Stalin government.
