Vijay's Public Meetings Cancelled For 2 Weeks Over Karur Stampede: 'In Pain And Sorrow'

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Tuesday announced the suspension of party chief Vijay’s public meetings for the next two weeks after a tragic stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur left 41 people dead.

The incident took place on September 27 during a TVK rally, where a large crowd had gathered. Among the victims were several women and children.

In a statement posted on X, the party said, “In this situation where we are in pain and sorrow over the loss of our loved ones, the public meeting program of our party leader for the next two weeks is being temporarily postponed. We inform you with the approval of our party leader that new details regarding this public meeting will be announced later.”

தலைமை நிலையச் செயலக அறிவிப்பு

கழகத் தோழர்களுக்கு வணக்கம்.

நம் சொந்தங்களை இழந்த வேதனையிலும் வருத்தத்திலும் நாம் இருக்கும் இச்சூழலில், நம் கழகத் தலைவர் அவர்களின் அடுத்த இரண்டு வாரங்களுக்கான மக்கள் சந்திப்பு நிகழ்ச்சியானது தற்காலிகமாக ஒத்திவைக்கப்படுகிறது. இந்த மக்கள் சந்திப்பு…

— TVK Party HQ (@TVKPartyHQ) October 1, 2025

Following the stampede, two local party functionaries — Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan and Karur town functionary MC Paun Raj — were arrested and sent to judicial custody till October 14.

In his first public reaction on on Monday, Vijay expressed deep grief, saying, “I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. My heart is aching, I am in deep pain.” He said people attended his rallies out of love and promised to meet the families of the victims soon.

Addressing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over the arrests, Vijay said, “Chief Minister sir, I request you please do not harm my party functionaries. I will be available at my house or in my office and you can take any action against me, but not against them.”

Vijay also claimed he left the rally venue in Karur early on the day of the tragedy to avoid further chaos and ensure public safety. He said he had not visited the victims or their families yet, as his presence could create “an unusual situation,” but assured he would meet them soon.

(With inputs from ANI)