Following the tragic stampede in Karur that claimed dozens of lives, Chief Minister Vijay pledged to build a memorial for the victims. He argued that the disaster could have been prevented if the police had warned him about the massive gathering.
Key Takeaways
- CM Vijay promises a memorial for the stampede victims.
- Police failure to alert about crowd size led to the tragedy.
- Political friction with opposition parties intensifies.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay addressed a public gathering on the outskirts of Karur on July 10, 2026, announcing that his party, the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, will construct a permanent memorial for those who perished in the September 27, 2025 stampede. He blamed the police for not informing him of the massive crowd at Velusamypuram, a lapse he says directly contributed to the loss of life.
Background and Incident Overview
During an election rally in September 2025, thousands of supporters converged at Velusamypuram, Karur. The sudden surge created a dangerous crush, resulting in the deaths of several women, children, and men. Investigations point to inadequate police deployment and poor crowd‑control measures as primary causes of the disaster.
CM Vijay’s Accusation Against the Police
Vijay asserted, “If the police had warned me about the actual crowd size, I would have cancelled the rally.” He contrasted this with a prior incident in Ariyalur, where police had proactively advised him to call off a meeting due to a similar crowd, a decision he respected for public safety. In Karoor, he claims the police escorted him from the highway to the venue without deploying sufficient personnel, leaving him unaware of the looming danger.
Political Fallout
The chief minister also targeted opposition parties, labeling them “sofa model” and “washing‑machine model,” accusing the DMK of “vending‑machine” politics and alleging corrupt fund‑raising practices. He warned that his administration would not indulge in “back‑door” horse‑trading, positioning his government as a clean‑cut alternative ahead of the 2026 state elections.
Future Measures and Memorial Construction
Beyond the memorial, Vijay announced a comprehensive overhaul of police protocols for public events, including the use of modern crowd‑monitoring technology and increased security personnel. He emphasized that the memorial will serve as both a tribute to the victims and a reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in future political rallies.
