Vijay to cancel roadshows? TVK leader to adopt Jayalalithaa's strategy for 'safe' campaigns after Karur stampede row

While speculations are abuzz about actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay's return to the campaign trail, insiders say that taking a lesson from the tragic Karur stampede, Vijay is likely to cancel roadshows for upcoming events. 

 

Actor-politician Vijay, who is yet to address the public after the tragic stampede in September in Karur, is likely to hit the campaign trail soon, and preparations are underway at locations across the state for his campaign meetings. According to reports, TVK functionaries are ensuring strict measures to prevent a Karur stampede-like situation during future events.

 

As many as 41 people died and over 50 people suffered injuries during Vijay's campaign in Karur on September 27. The deceased include 10 children and over 15 women. Though the Tamil Nadu government formed a one-member judicial commission to probe the incident, the Central Bureau of Investigation took over the case following the Supreme Court's orders. 

 

During a recent discussion on the tragedy in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said Vijay's seven-hour delay in reaching the campaign spot was the main cause of the tragedy. Meanwhile, the TVK blamed the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for the tragedy.

 

 

People in the know of developments said Vijay is likely to avoid roadshows hereafter. To avoid the wild chase by his followers and accidents en route, Vijay is planning to take a chopper ride to campaign venues instead. 

 

A senior TVK functionary told Hindu Tamil that Vijay is likely to follow former chief minister Jayalalithaa's campaign style hereafter.  "A huge patta land, which could accommodate 1 lakh people, will be taken for lease outside the city and Vijay would arrive to the venue in a helicopter," he said.

 

The leader revealed the party has already engaged a Bengaluru helicopter firm for one year. Vijay would arrive in a helicopter to the campaign venue 15 minutes before the event, the leader said.

India