Sipu Jha
CHENNAI: Three days after the Karur stampede, TVK president Vijay broke his silence claiming that the tragedy was not his fault.In a video statement the actor-politician also asked chief minister M K Stalin to target him and not his supporters. Raising doubts over the incident, which claimed 41 lives in Karur, the stronghold of former minister V Senthil Balaji, Vijay asked why such a stampede occurred only there. “We campaigned in five districts. Nothing like this happened anywhere else. Why did this happen only in Karur? How did it happen? People know the truth. They have seen everything,” he said.Also read: ‘If you seek revenge’: TVK chief Vijay’s message to CM Stalin on Karur stampede; says ‘truth will come out’
Didn’t want to cause another tense situation, says Vijay
“Soon the entire truth will come out. We did nothing wrong except reaching the allotted venue and speaking there,” Vijay said in the video. He stressed that the safety of party cadre and the public have always been his priority.Calling the stampede “the most painful moment” of his life, Vijay said, “I have never faced such a painful situation. My heart is full of grief.” He added that though he wished to meet the bereaved families immediately, he refrained to avoid triggering further tension or untoward incidents at the spot. “When so many were affected, how could I simply leave? I left because I wanted to avoid sparking another tense situation or untoward incidents there,’’ he said. Vijay said he would meet all the victims soon.“I know nothing could make up for your loss,’’ Vijay said expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery for those undergoing treatment in hospitals.Criticising the FIRs filed against TVK functionaries and social media supporters, Vijay reiterated that his party had only used the space allotted for the campaign. Directly addressing Stalin, he said: “CM sir, if you have any idea of taking revenge, do whatever you want to me. But do not lay hands on my supporters. I will be at home, or if not, at the office.”Vijay concluded by vowing that TVK’s political journey would continue with “greater strength and courage” and thanked political parties that had extended solidarity to him.
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