"If government had provided proper security, 41 lives could have been saved": Palaniswami over Karur tragedy

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 2 (ANI): All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday blamed the Tamil Nadu government for the Karur tragedy that claimed 41 lives, alleging that the administration failed to provide "adequate security" at the event.
He demanded accountability, pointing out that such an incident had never occurred in previous public meetings, and urged the state government to ensure "proper safety arrangements" at future events.
Speaking at the gathering, the former Chief Minister said, "If today's government had provided proper security, 41 lives could have been saved. Who is responsible for the death of 41 people in Tamil Nadu?"
Palaniswami accused the DMK government of maintaining "one kind of justice for the ruling party and another for the opposition," calling the approach unfair. He stressed that the state government carries the responsibility of ensuring the safety of people during public gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations.
"The police function directly under the Chief Minister. Had he given proper instructions as a responsible Chief Minister, and if adequate security had been provided through the police, we would not have lost 41 lives today," the AIADMK chief stated.
"At the ruling party's meetings, or at the gatherings of its alliance partners, more number of police personnel are deployed for security. But when it comes to opposition meetings, such security is deliberately denied," Palaniswami asserted.
Referring to the commission of inquiry set up by the government, Palaniswami remarked that AIADMK leaders could not speak in depth due to its formation, but insisted "accountability must not be evaded".
"Stalin once said he would never let Tamil Nadu bow its head. But today, Tamil Nadu has bowed in shame. Not only the state, but the entire nation has been shaken by this tragedy," he said.
"Chief Minister MK Stalin must answer the people's question: why is maximum security given to empty spaces, but not to places where thousands of people assemble?...For all this, the people will give the right answer in the 2026 elections," AIADMK leader said.
The AIADMK leader highlighted that while numerous public meetings have taken place in Tamil Nadu over decades, such a stampede had never occurred.
He added that he himself had conducted rallies in 163 constituencies during his recent campaign, but security was provided only in a few districts, forcing the AIADMK and its allies to manage arrangements in most places.
The AIADMK leader further said that the former minister from Karur, Senthil Balaji, appeared shaken when speaking to the press about this stampede incident.
"In Karur, an inquiry is already being conducted under the supervision of the DSP. At the same time, when an officer of ADGP rank publicly justifies the government, how can anyone expect a fair investigation?...Even the former minister from Karur (Senthil Balaji), when speaking to press about this stampede incident, appears shaken. The fear on your face is clearly visible," the AIADMK leader added.
Palaniswami later urged the government to take responsibility for the Karur incident instead of "shifting the blame onto others," and called on the administration to ensure proper security at all future events.
On September 27, the Karur stampede claimed the lives of atleast 41 people, with more than 100 people injured. The incident occurred at Velusamypuram, on the Karur-Erode Highway, following a large crowd gathering for a political rally. Reportedly, Vijay's arrival was delayed by several hours. (ANI)