Tamil Nadu Assembly descended into chaos on Wednesday as the September 27 Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by actor-politician Vijay, sparked a heated confrontation, culminating in a dramatic walkout by the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The tragedy, one of the deadliest political rally incidents in India, fueled accusations of governmental negligence and political favoritism, intensifying the state’s charged political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 elections.

As Chief Minister M.K. Stalin rose to address the Assembly on the stampede, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami interrupted, demanding precedence as the opposition leader. He urged Speaker M. Appavu to allow him to speak first, citing the AIADMK’s role as the primary opposition. The Speaker’s refusal prompted vociferous protests from AIADMK members, who accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of stifling dissent. Frustrated, the AIADMK contingent staged a walkout, escalating tensions in the House.

Outside the Assembly, Palaniswami, flanked by party colleagues, addressed reporters at the Secretariat, labeling the Karur stampede unprecedented in India’s political history. He accused the DMK government of orchestrating a “drama” to deflect accountability for the tragedy at Velusamypuram, where a crowd surge toward Vijay’s delayed convoy led to the catastrophic crush. Palaniswami alleged gross negligence by the state and police, asserting that adequate security could have averted the loss of lives, including those of nine children and 18 women.

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The AIADMK chief highlighted inconsistencies in official accounts, disputing the government’s claim of deploying 650 police personnel. He cited Additional Director General of Police S. Davidson Devasirvatham’s statement that only 500 officers were present, arguing this discrepancy raises doubts about the state’s handling of the event. Palaniswami further accused the DMK of applying “double standards,” noting that TVK’s requests for preferred rally venues in districts like Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Namakkal were denied, while the ruling party allegedly faced fewer restrictions.

The stampede, triggered by a crowd of over 25,000—far exceeding the anticipated 10,000—has led to a Supreme Court-ordered CBI probe, with a three-member committee monitoring the investigation. Palaniswami’s remarks echo broader opposition claims, including those from the BJP, that the DMK failed to ensure sufficient crowd control measures. The AIADMK’s walkout underscores mounting pressure on the government as public outrage grows, with social media amplifying demands for justice and stricter rally protocols. As Tamil Nadu grapples with the aftermath, the incident threatens to reshape political narratives, with the opposition leveraging it to challenge the DMK’s governance credentials.

Also Read: TVK Seeks Supreme Court-Led Independent Investigation Over Karur Stampede