No Diwali for Vijay’s TVK functionaries this year. Party decides to mourn Karur stampede victims
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has instructed its functionaries, members, and volunteers not to celebrate Diwali this year in light of the Karur tragedy, according to Tamil media reports.
"As a tribute to our loved ones who departed from us due to the unexpected incident in Karur, we request that no one on behalf of the association should celebrate Diwali this year... On the instructions of TVK leader Vijay, please avoid Diwali celebrations," the translation of a statement reportedly released by TVK general secretary N Anand read on Saturday.
“Let’s honour their memory and stand together in silence and respect,” the party later said in a post on X.
On September 27, a stampede at a TVK public meeting in Karur, addressed by Vijay, claimed the lives of 41 people, including women and children. Actor-politician Vijay is yet to visit the families of the victims and survivors.
A few days after the incident, Vijay's campaign vehicle, cars, etc. were worshipped at the Panayur office on the occasion of Ayudha Puja. This move was widely criticised as the vehicle that was at the tragedy site was also among those surrendered for the Puja. The decision to curtail Diwali celebrations is a precaution to avoid further backlash.
Karur tragedy and TVK
According to police, the rally saw a turnout of 27,000—nearly three times the expected 10,000 participants—and Vijay reached the venue seven hours late.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Tamil Nadu Police is investigating the stampede and has arrested TVK Karur district secretary Mathiyazhagan for his alleged failure to enforce safety measures and control the crowd.
Vijay’s team, meanwhile, has moved the Supreme Court, demanding an independent investigation by a retired judge. The top court is scheduled to pronounce its order on October 13.
On Friday, the apex court, while reserving its orders, had questioned the Madras High Court for constituting a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the stampede and wondered how it had proceeded with the matter.
India