State Government is responsible for Karur stampede, alleges Edappadi K. Palaniswami

Former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleged that the State government is responsible for the Karur stampede in which 41 people died on September 27.

On Thursday evening, Mr. Palaniswami campaigned in Dharmapuri district as part of his Statewide pre-poll campaign, Makkalai Kaappom, ThamizhagathaiMeetpom.

Before starting his campaign in Dharmapuri town, Mr. Palaniswami observed two-minute silence for the stampede victims.

Mr. Palaniswami said that giving protection for a political rally or conference is the duty of the government and police. If protection was given properly, 41 people would not have died in Karur. The Chief Minister said he will not make Tamil Nadu bow its head. But for the first time in the country, 41 people died in a rally and the government is responsible for the tragedy. The government should not escape by blaming others.

“I completed the campaign in 165 Assembly constituencies. Police protection was given only to five or six districts. In remaining areas, AIADMK cadres are giving protection. But for the Chief Minister’s programme high protection was given. The Chief Minister should answer why proper protection is not given. The people will give a proper reply to the government in the 2026 Assembly elections,” Mr. Palaniswami added.

Charging that IAS officers are acting like politicians in Karur stampede issue, Mr. Palaniswami said that officers meeting the press and explaining the government achievements is not wrong. But giving an explanation through the department secretary after one-member commission is appointed is equal to disrespecting the commission. The duty of a department secretary is not to do politics. “After AIADMK comes to power, we will not spare these officials. Officials are receiving salary on people’s tax money. So, they should act responsibly and should not be biased,” he said.

The law and order ADGP and secretary spoke supporting the government. Politicians can say anything, but officials should not speak in support of the government. To hide the mistakes of the government, this drama was staged by officials. If any details are available, they should be handed over to the commission. Likewise, leaders of political parties have the responsibility to protect their cadres, Mr. Palaniswami added.

Stating that former Minister V. Senthilbalaji is panicking and fear is showing in his face, the AIADMK general secretary said that Mr. Balaji thinks he can buy votes by giving money. But people cannot be cheated. The people of Karur are expecting an election and will teach a lesson to the DMK.

To meet the Karur victims, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin came from a foreign trip and met the victims and again went abroad to continue his trip. Hereafter, the government should give protection to all party functions, rallies, or conferences without bias. The alliance parties of DMK, including VCK and CPI, should avoid supporting the DMK in this issue and in the future, they may also face issues like this.

While AIADMK asked for another place to conduct the meeting in Karur, the police denied and gave the same place where the TVK rally was held, the AIADMK general secretary added.

Stating that drugs are available everywhere, Mr. Palaniswami said that after DMK came to power, the drug menace increased. AIADMK pointed this out in the Assembly, but no action was taken.

For Dharmapuri district, the DMK government did not bring any schemes or projects in these four years. The debt of the Tamil Nadu government is increasing. Compared to government revenue in 2021, now the revenue has increased. But the debts are also increasing. By collecting ₹10 additionally per liquor bottle, ₹22,000 crore of fund misappropriation took place in four years of DMK rule. The DMK is ready to spend the money for elections that was allegedly looted from people. The prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing and the government failed to control the prices. After AIADMK comes to power 4,000 Amma mini clinics will be opened, Mr. Palaniswami added.