Days after a stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, which claimed 41 lives, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Monday (September 29, 2025) that rules and guidelines would be framed for public events held by political parties and other organisations.
Once the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry submits its report, consultations will be held with all political parties and other organisations to frame the rules and guidelines, he said.
In a recorded video clip posted on his social media handle, Mr. Stalin said: “It is our collective duty to frame rules and guidelines to be followed by political parties and other organisations when they organise such events. So, I assure you that these rules and guidelines will be framed once the report from the Commission of Inquiry is received and after consultations are held with all political parties and organisations. I hope everyone will extend their cooperation in this regard.”
“I assure you that the government’s course of action will depend on the report submitted by the Commission,” he added.
Claims on social media
Referring to unverified claims and speculations circulating on social media in connection with the Karur tragedy, Mr. Stalin advised people to exercise restraint and refrain from making irresponsible or malicious comments. “I have been noticing the rumours and fake news being spread by some people on social media. No political leader would ever wish for their party cadre or innocent people to lose their lives. Regardless of which party the deceased belonged to, as far as I am concerned, they are Tamils. So, I urge everyone to avoid making irresponsible and malicious comments.”
Contending that human lives are above all else, Mr. Stalin, who is also the president of the DMK, said: “Let us set aside our political positions, differing ideologies, and personal enmities. I appeal to everyone to think about the welfare of the people. Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer on various fronts in the country. It is our collective responsibility to prevent such incidents from recurring.”
The Chief Minister further said: “We have lost 41 lives, including women and children. We have announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh and have been disbursing it. We are also providing complete medical treatment to those injured in the incident.”
The Karur stampede was a “major tragedy,” an “unprecedented tragedy,” and one that “should not recur,” Mr. Stalin said. Recalling his visit to a hospital in Karur, he said he still could not get over the incident, and that his heart remained heavy and anguished. Even after issuing instructions to the district administration to take immediate action, Mr. Stalin said he could not remain at home and therefore decided to leave for Karur.
