Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said it was commendable that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay invited and consoled the relatives of those who died in the stampede during the party’s recent rally in Karur.
Mr. Panneerselvam was addressing journalists at Marudhu Brothers’ memorial at Kalayarkoil in Sivaganga district on Monday. Answering a question on the possible alliance with the TVK, he said anything could happen in the future regarding an alliance with Mr. Vijay.
“We will form an alliance keeping the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu in mind. Many storms and cyclones may occur before this election. People are discussing that the DMK has a chance to return to power because the opposition parties, including the AIADMK, are scattered,” he added.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, who paid homage to the statues at the memorial, told press persons: “Maybe, TVK leader Vijay called the families of the victims to Chennai fearing a threat to his life in Karur.”
It was not just him, but everyone thought that Mr. Vijay’s life would be in danger if he visited Karur, he added.
Stating that Tamil Nadu recorded a high crime rate under the DMK government, Mr. Nagenthran said, “Deaths are continuously occurring… 41 people in the Karur stampede and 65 people in the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy. Sexual assault is happening everywhere. POCSO Act crimes have increased by 53%. Women and girls are not safe. Petrol bombs are being hurled at police stations. Where is law and order in Tamil Nadu?”
Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman, speaking to reporters, said, “Farmers are grieving because 20 lakh tonnes of paddy is lying on roads without being procured. As many as 75 lakh youths are unemployed. But the DMK cadres are going door-to-door, giving Deepavali gifts, and asking for votes by taking oaths, instead of citing their achievements.”
“The government does not procure paddy at a fair price. However, they are spending crores of rupees on erecting memorials and setting up airconditioned rooms to protect liquor. The government, which wastes public money on luxury, is not building warehouses to store food grains or schools,” he added.
Published – October 27, 2025 09:40 pm IST
