EDITORIALS FROM 29th Sep 2025
EDITORIAL 01
Weaponising health care: On the Trump tariffs on imported medicines
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EDITORIAL 02
An avoidable tragedy: On the TVK rally, the stampede in Karur
Issue: The Karur tragedy during actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s campaign has revealed how the attempt to convert a frenzied fan base into political capital can compromise crowd management and public safety.
Background
- On September 27, 2025, at Velusamypuram in Karur, a massive crowd surge during Mr. Vijay’s campaign for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led to the death of 40 people, including children.
- The disaster highlighted the failure of both organisers and authorities in ensuring safety at a political rally.
Causes of the Tragedy
- Breaching of Restrictions: Since launching his “weekend-only” roadshows on September 13, 2025, Mr. Vijay’s campaign has repeatedly breached restrictions.
- Resistance to Regulation: The actor resisted police restrictions, calling them politically motivated, while the TVK moved the Madras High Court against them.
- Poor Crowd Control: At Karur, although the expected turnout was 10,000, more than 27,000 people arrived by evening.
- Unsafe Practices: Supporters climbed poles, transformers, rooftops, and trees, and families lifted children to see the actor, without any corrective action from organisers or police.
- Delayed Schedule: The meeting scheduled at noon started only at 7.20 p.m., allowing crowds to swell after work hours.
- Crush and Asphyxia: When the crowd surged forward, several people fainted or were crushed due to compressive asphyxia.
Administrative Response
- The Tamil Nadu Government acted swiftly by arranging medical aid, overnight autopsies, and promptly handing over bodies to families.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Karur past midnight and, without politicising the event, entrusted the probe to a commission of inquiry.
- The commission was asked to examine not only TVK’s lapses but also whether police acted independently, especially in denying larger venues.
Lessons and the Way Forward
- Responsibility of the Leader: Vijay should make more frequent public appearances to reduce the aura of mystique and avoid roadshows as shows of strength.
- Role of Police: The police must ensure that massive political meetings are held in open, spacious venues, not in dense localities.
- Coordination Needed: Both organisers and law enforcement must cooperate to balance political enthusiasm with public safety.
The Karur incident underscores that effective crowd management requires discipline and cooperation. When political ambition overtakes public safety, tragedies become inevitable.
Future campaigns must prioritise planning, space, and responsibility over spectacle.
EDITORIAL 03
Before economy slows, cut the rate
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EDITORIAL 04
For food and fuel, India needs strategic partnerships
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