Senthil Balaji Hits Back at CM Vijay Over Karur Stampede, Says He 'Abandoned' Victims

A political confrontation has erupted in Tamil Nadu after DMK leader V Senthil Balaji accused Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of failing to stand by victims of the Karur stampede, responding to remarks made by the Chief Minister during his visit to the district.

The exchange marks the latest political dispute over the handling of the tragic stampede that occurred on September 27 last year, with both sides offering sharply contrasting accounts of the events that followed.

Vijay Criticised DMK During Karur Visit

The controversy began during Chief Minister Vijay's first visit to Karur after assuming office.

Addressing the public, Vijay accused the opposition DMK of attempting to gain "political mileage" from the stampede and also criticised the party for allegedly preventing him from visiting the district following the tragedy.

His remarks triggered an immediate response from the DMK leadership.

Senthil Balaji Defends Previous Government's Response

In a post on X, Senthil Balaji defended the previous DMK government's handling of the tragedy, claiming it led rescue and relief operations from the very beginning.

He questioned who remained on the ground assisting victims and families after the incident, asserting that the DMK leadership worked continuously to support those affected.

According to Balaji, then Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin rushed to Karur soon after news of the stampede emerged.

He credited the previous administration with personally overseeing relief measures, medical treatment and assistance to affected families.

Fresh Allegations Against Chief Minister Vijay

Balaji also levelled fresh allegations against Chief Minister Vijay regarding his conduct during and after the incident.

He claimed that while people were collapsing during the event, Vijay continued his speech after requesting an ambulance.

The DMK leader further alleged that despite being informed about fatalities while at Tiruchirappalli airport, Vijay chose not to visit victims and instead left on a private aircraft.

These allegations have not been addressed by the Chief Minister's office in the context of Balaji's latest statement.

Political War Over the Stampede Continues

The Karur stampede has remained a politically sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu.

With Vijay now serving as Chief Minister and the DMK in opposition, both parties continue to accuse each other of politicising the tragedy while presenting different narratives regarding relief efforts and administrative responsibility.

The latest exchange indicates that the incident is likely to remain a key point of political contention in the state.

Featured Snippet

DMK leader V Senthil Balaji has accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of abandoning victims of the Karur stampede, claiming the previous DMK government led rescue and relief operations while responding to Vijay's criticism of the opposition during his Karur visit.

Key Highlights

• Senthil Balaji criticised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over the Karur stampede.
• The DMK leader claimed the previous government led rescue and relief efforts.
• Vijay had earlier accused the DMK of seeking political mileage from the tragedy.
• Balaji alleged Vijay failed to visit victims after the incident.
• Both parties continue to trade allegations over the handling of the Karur stampede.
• The issue has become a major flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics.

Conclusion

The war of words between Senthil Balaji and Chief Minister Vijay highlights how the Karur stampede continues to shape Tamil Nadu's political discourse. While the DMK credits its previous administration for leading relief efforts, the ruling side has accused the opposition of politicising the tragedy. The exchange underscores the deep political divisions surrounding one of the state's most tragic incidents.

FAQs

1. Why did Senthil Balaji criticise CM Vijay?

Senthil Balaji accused Chief Minister Vijay of failing to stand by victims of the Karur stampede and challenged his criticism of the DMK.

2. What did CM Vijay say about the Karur stampede?

During his visit to Karur, Vijay accused the DMK of attempting to gain political mileage from the tragedy and criticised the opposition's conduct.

3. What claims did Senthil Balaji make?

Balaji claimed the previous DMK government led rescue and relief operations, while alleging Vijay did not visit victims after the incident.

4. When did the Karur stampede occur?

The stampede took place on September 27 last year.

5. Who did Balaji credit for the relief efforts?

He credited former Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin with personally monitoring rescue and relief operations.

6. Has the Chief Minister responded to Balaji's latest allegations?

At the time of publication, there was no public response from the Chief Minister's office specifically addressing Balaji's latest claims.