It is dated 27 September 2025 when a disastrous stampede during a political meeting in Karur, Tamil Nadu took a toll of at least 41 lives and harmed many others. Subsequently, politician-actor Vijay of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) put out a strong video recordings against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin which stated, “If you seek revenge … do anything to me, but do not touch my party men.”
This blog attempts to untangle that message, those controversies concurring around responsibility, and what it means now politically and sociably.
The Incident: What Happened at Karur
It took place in Veluswamypuram near Karur on Karur–Erode highway, and it is organized by TVK party of Vijay. This small campaign meeting turned deadly when overcrowding took a toll on security measures and control failed.
According to reports Vijay’s vehicle arrived about six to seven hours later, which caused irritation among supporters waiting patiently. As he tried to exit, people charged forward and created a deadly crush. Eye witnesses narrate people fainting, getting stamped upon, and ambulances unable to reach victims as they tried to navigate through chaos.
Due to slow movements, rough crowd control, and insufficient buffer zones, what would have been a political procession ended as a tragedy.
Vijay’s Message
Days following the tragedy, Vijay have spoken to citizens through a video. He showed heaviest sorrow following loss of life and offered condolences to aggrieved families.
He said that nothing wrong had been done by his supporters and players, that they abstained from the spot marked out by police and looked for permission from police. He then made a direct appeal to the Chief Minister: “If you want to avenge yourself, do something to me. Leave others alone.”
He also claimed he would either stay indoors or in his office office — effectively challenging powers to move against him directly if needed. Vijay reiterated that truth would prevail, alluded to sinister plots, and vowed that his political career would emerge all the healthier.
Furthermore, he implored the CM not to prosecute TVK officials or party workers and direct his attention to himself.
Reaction & Political Backlash
From DMK & Government
The governing DMK and Stalin camp swiftly hit back, attacking Vijay’s tardiness in condemning (four days later) and accusing him of seeking to play victum. Some DMK bosses have argued that Vijay “fled” following the tragedy, implying guilt. They others that it was an inappropriate location (because of petrol pumps, drainage canals) and wonder why his rally meeting was permitted there.
Stalin government set up a judicial commission consisting of retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate into the incident.
From Opposition & Critics
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) denounced the judicial inquiry as a sham and demanded a CBI probe, accusing the DMK of hiding the scandal.
Some of the critics have expressed doubts over Vijay’s liability in organizing a large rally with poor crowd control and late departure times. FIRs have already been filed against several TVK functionaries (but not Vijay yet) on the grounds of culpable homicide, causing danger to life, and disobedience.
Stakes in 2026 & Broader Implications
This tragedy is not merely a political hot potato, but a test of accountability for Tamil Nadu’s democratic tradition. The state goes to the polls in 2026.
- Public Trust & Safety : People will insist that these gatherings are safe. If justice is not delivered by the government, political consequences are certain
- Political Weapons : Vijay’s statement positions the incident as a political revenge drama — that might mobilize his core constituency or alienate moderates.
- Precedent for Rally Safety : This will have precedent for tighter policing, tighter permits, and tighter scrutiny for all political events statewide.
- Legal Accountability : Whom is responsible? — party, police, prerogative of the state, or organizers of events — will indicate whom is really in power.