What triggered the chaos at Karur

The predictable blame game has begun over the stampede that took place on September 27, 2025 in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. The death toll at the stampede, which occurred at an overcrowded roadshow held by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay, has climbed to 41.

The common refrain among the people is that “it was a tragedy waiting to happen”. Critics of the DMK government have pointed a finger at the administration, claiming that the police failed to allocate a proper venue for the show. The police, in turn, have argued that TVK organisers had asked permission for a rally of 10,000 people, but that an estimated 25,000-27,000 people arrived at the venue. This is a poor excuse, given the turnout at Mr. Vijay’s previous roadshows and the unrestrained behaviour of his followers. But Mr. Vijay and the event organisers are equally to blame. They have still not grasped the complex logistics of crowd mobilisation and safety management.

Mr. Vijay, who harbours ambitions of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, reached the venue several hours behind schedule. By that time, the crowd was already bursting at the seams. Upon realising that the situation had got out of hand, the actor developed cold feet. Without checking what had happened to the people who had thronged there to see him, Mr. Vijay abruptly ended his speech and rushed to Chennai by a chartered flight.

On reaching the capital city, Mr. Vijay refused to speak to the media at the airport. He was expected to react, but he issued only a brief statement on social media, long after the tragedy had drawn national attention and prompted responses from the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, and other leaders. “I am languishing in pain and grief which cannot be expressed in words,” he posted. Though he announced ₹20 lakh each to the families of the dead, and ₹10 lakh for the injured, he missed the opportunity to show leadership in the face of adversity.

Tragedies do occur when crowds turn out in larger numbers than expected, and there have been quite a few instances of these across India. However, political parties in Tamil Nadu have mastered the art of organising mega events without causing casualties. The AIADMK, the DMK, and the Left parties all plan events meticulously. They often distribute water bottles and provide snacks and food packets in some cases. These measures prevent dehydration, which is likely to occur in a State where the sun is often extremely harsh.

Mr. Vijay, who is new to politics, has clearly failed to learn these lessons. Worse, the actor, who in many ways is responsible for the tragedy, fled the scene instead of staying in Tiruchi or a nearby town and visiting the victims.

The government too is accountable. It should not have permitted him to address a rally standing in the middle of a road, especially considering the density of vehicular traffic and his immense popularity as an actor. Such a mode of communication is a public nuisance in small towns such as Karur. Political rallies should be held outside city or town limits.

At the same time, it is also true that if the police or administration had denied permission for his roadshow, Mr. Vijay — whose primary target is the DMK government and who has been saying that the 2026 Assembly elections will be a contest primarily between his party and the DMK — would likely have made a major political issue of it.

The tragedy will now have a chilling effect on Mr. Vijay. He will have to think hard before planning his next move or rally. His followers too may weigh safety and other risks before participating in his outreach programmes. The government has the right to deny permission for his roadshows.

The event also once again exposes Tamil Nadu’s craze for film personalities. Despite tall claims of achieving growth and making strides in education and social justice, the State is unique in this regard. Anyone can enter politics; however, only in Tamil Nadu do all those who act in films arrogate to themselves the right to enter the field simply because they had essayed roles in which they were seen saving people and fighting tooth and nail for justice. And when that happens, ideologically inclined people and those dedicated to public causes simply look on. They are left with no choice but to throw their hands up in despair.