DMK Leaders Criticize Chief Minister Vijay Over Karur Stampede Remarks

DMK leaders in Chennai on Friday strongly criticized Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for blaming the previous DMK administration and its leader M K Stalin for a tragic stampede in Karur. The political sparring erupted following remarks made by the Chief Minister during his visit to Karur on Friday, which prompted immediate rebuttals from senior DMK members.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi urged Chief Minister Vijay to maintain the dignity of his position. She pointed out that the public is fully aware of who supported them during the tragedy and advised the Chief Minister to speak in a manner befitting the high office he holds.

"Everyone must understand and act with a sense of responsibility. The matter is currently under investigation, and it is appropriate to refrain from commenting on it. People know who stood by them and helped them during difficult times," Kanimozhi told reporters, referring to the Chief Minister's comments on the Karur stampede.

DMK spokesman T K S Elangovan also condemned the Chief Minister's statements. Taking a swipe at Vijay over his remarks regarding the stampede, Elangovan asserted that the Chief Minister "cannot utter a worse lie than this."

The confrontation intensified as former minister V Senthil Balaji hit back at Chief Minister Vijay for ridiculing him. Vijay had previously alleged that the former minister was "on the run" during the incident. Balaji strongly questioned who actually fled from Karur when people fainted and succumbed to injuries during the tragic stampede on September 27.

Balaji recalled the events of the campaign speech that turned tragic on that ill-fated day. He stated that Chief Minister Vijay threw water bottles and called for ambulances upon seeing people faint in the crowd, yet continued his speech despite the tragedy unfolding in front of him.

The exchange has heightened political tensions between the DMK and the Chief Minister, with both sides trading accusations over accountability for the September 27 stampede.