In Tamil Nadu, it’s common for people to arrive the day before to meet their favorite leaders, listen to their speeches while lying on the ground, and the leaders reach the meeting place ten to twelve hours late!. The crowd, which includes children and women, waits thirsty and hungry, often unaware of the dangers, and frequently gets into accidents.
The latest example of leaders creating chaotic crowds to demonstrate their power, disregarding human life, was seen on Saturday in Karur, Tamil Nadu. More than forty helpless people died in a stampede and rush during a political rally organized by film politician Vijay. Over fifty people are critically injured and fighting for their lives in the hospital.
Politics in Tamil Nadu revolves around leaders revered as godlike figures. This reverence is at the core of the leadership tradition, from Periyar to V. Ramaswamy to Vijay, today. Periyar and Annadurai spoke out against this idolization, but it persisted both during their lifetimes and afterward.
People flocked to the political rallies of MGR and Jayalalithaa like an ocean. The enthusiasm for those entering politics through the magical charm of cinema is boundless. This explains why, without proper controls, situations often spiral out of hand.
Dying in stampedes and rushes at rallies and party meetings is not new in India. Last June, 11 people were killed during the IPL victory celebration in Bengaluru. Eighteen lost their lives in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station during the Kumbh Mela rush, among many tragic incidents.
The most unforgettable incident was in 1992 at Kumbakonam, when then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was delivering a speech, and 50 people died in a stampede. Yesterday, Vijay demonstrated that without proper control, history is likely to repeat itself. In the passionate reverence for leaders, Vijay and the Tamil Nadu government cannot escape responsibility for those who lost their lives.
Actor and Tamilaka Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay announced a financial aid of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the victims in Karur. He expressed grief over the incident, which caused 40 deaths in the stampede. Vijay also declared Rs 2 lakh assistance each for those injured and receiving treatment. While lives cannot be replaced, Vijay’s immediate help is commendable.
Let us hope authorities will act quickly to enforce nationwide safety measures, prosecute and punish leaders who organize unsafe gatherings, and ensure public safety.