Three days after a stampede at his political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, left 41 people dead, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Tuesday released his first video message, expressing sorrow and promising to visit the victims’ families.
The actor-turned-politician also defended his party workers, who are facing legal actions over the stampede, insisting that his party had done nothing wrong at the rally. He questioned why such a tragedy occurred only in Karur, despite TVK holding similar events across the state.
“My heart is filled only with pain. Why do people come to see us on this tour? There is only one reason: the love and affection they have for us. I have always been indebted to that love and affection. That’s why, above everything else on this tour, I have placed people’s safety first, with no compromise whatsoever," said Vijay in his video message.
“That thought sits very deep in my heart. So I set aside all political reasons, focused solely on people’s safety, chose appropriate venues for that, and sought permission for those places accordingly," he added.
Acknowledging the suffering of families affected by the stampede, he said, “At this time, I offer my deepest condolences to all the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. I know that nothing I say can make up for it. I pray that everyone who is being treated in the hospital recovers swiftly. Very soon I will meet you all."
Vijay’s video message came amid a bitter blame game over the Karur stampede, with DMK accusing the actor-turned-politician of the tragedy and loss of lives.
Hinting at political conspiracies, Vijay said, “We went to almost five districts for campaigning. Nothing like this happened there. But why is this happening only in Karur? How is this happening? The people know the whole truth. People are watching everything."
Reflecting on his speech in Karur, he added, “When I spoke those truths openly to the people of Karur, I felt as though God Himself had descended before me to reveal those truths. Very soon, all the truths will come out."
Vijay maintained that his party merely used the allotted space to address the crowd and did nothing wrong, yet FIRs were still filed against TVK administrators and cadres.
“CM sir, if you have any urge to take revenge or if there’s any issue, do whatever you want to me. Don’t lay a hand on them. I’ll be at home, or I’ll be at the office—do whatever you want to me," said Vijay, directly referring to CM MK Stalin.
Vijay concluded by saying, “Our political journey should be even stronger. At this time, I would like to thank the politicians, party members, leaders, and everyone who spoke up for me."
The Karur police have filed a case in connection with the stampede against senior TVK functionaries, excluding party chief Vijay.
Those named include State General Secretary Bussy Anand, Deputy General Secretary G.R. Nirmal Kumar, and Karur West District Secretary Mathiyalagan.
The charges have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for multiple offences.
