A now-deleted social media post by Aadhav Arjuna, a senior leader in actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has ignited controversy following a deadly stampede at a TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The post urged Tamil Nadu's "Gen Z" to revolt against the ruling DMK government, similar to youth-led movements in Nepal.
The post, shared on X, called for a "youth revolution" and drew parallels to uprisings in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Arjuna accused the Tamil Nadu police of being "mere servants of those in power" and claimed that under a "wicked ruler," even the laws turn wicked. Screenshots of the Tamil post circulated widely after it was deleted.
The timing of the post, just days after the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives, drew strong criticism. The stampede occurred at a TVK rally in Velayuthampalayam, Karur, during an election campaign event. The overcrowded venue led to panic and a deadly crush, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
Political parties across Tamil Nadu have reacted sharply to both the stampede and Arjuna's post. DMK MP Kanimozhi called the post "irresponsible" and warned that it could incite violence. The TVK has acknowledged the error, stating that the post was immediately deleted and did not reflect the party's views. TVK sources emphasized that the party and Vijay would never instigate violence.
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced an inquiry commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. The commission will investigate the incident and frame guidelines for political rallies. Stalin also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
In the aftermath of the stampede, TVK has moved to the Madras High Court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the incident. Vijay has announced ₹20 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
Aadhav Arjuna has also announced plans to visit the families of the victims to offer condolences and financial assistance. He has filed a petition in court requesting security arrangements for his visit. Arjuna expressed his grief over the tragedy, drawing parallels to the pain he experienced when his mother died.
