CBI's Second Round
The CBI is set to question TVK president Vijay in Delhi on Monday regarding the Karur stampede investigation. Vijay, who is considered a witness, will
be questioned around 11 am. As per TVK functionaries, he is scheduled to return to Chennai late Monday, but this could be extended if the CBI requires more time. The initial investigation stems from a stampede that took place on September 27 in Karur, which resulted in the loss of life for 41 individuals. Vijay had previously attributed the stampede to the poor crowd control conducted by local police, specifically mentioning that bottlenecks were not managed promptly. Moreover, he defended his decision to leave the location soon after the stampede to prevent further escalation of the situation. The investigators are poised to revisit crucial details. These include the reasons behind Vijay's late arrival at the venue, the crowd conditions he witnessed, and whether his team was informed about the crowd situation beforehand. Clarity may also be sought on the police's concerns about proceeding with the event after his arrival near the Karur roundabout.
Party's Future Plans
Following his return from Delhi, Vijay is set to participate in the first meeting of the party's 12-member election manifesto panel, led by general secretary Arun Raj. This meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at the party headquarters, where outreach plans will be discussed to gather inputs from different communities. The CBI probe and delays in the release of Vijay's film, 'Jana Nayagan,' have somewhat muted the party's political activities. His last public appearance took place a month ago in Erode. Additionally, TVK chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan responded to queries about potential alliances and the possibility of former AIADMK leaders joining the party. He stated that the party would 'wait and see' after January 23, without offering additional details. This reflects the uncertain political environment and the impact of the investigation on the party's future strategic planning.
Events and Implications
The Karur stampede investigation continues to cast a shadow over Vijay's political career and the TVK party's operations. Vijay's defense of his actions and the blame he has placed on the local police are significant factors being examined by the CBI. The upcoming questioning will likely focus on these points, seeking to clarify the events leading up to the tragedy. The delayed release of Vijay's film and the muted political activities show the serious implications of the ongoing probe. The party's strategic approach to potential alliances and future actions is contingent on the investigation's outcome, adding complexity to the existing challenges. The investigation and its repercussions also point to the need for improvements in crowd management and safety protocols at public gatherings, particularly those involving political figures. As the CBI continues its inquiry, the pressure intensifies on Vijay and the TVK party. The outcome of the investigation will likely shape the future of the party and influence the political landscape in the region.
