Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 30 : DMK leader TKS Elangovan has held actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay responsible for the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives, saying that the incident occurred because of a leader "who wanted to become Chief Minister" but "was unable to arrive on time at the rally."
He further claimed that people were made to wait in scorching heat for "6-8 hours."
Speaking to ANI, TKS Elangovan said, "The reason for deaths is Vijay (TVK chief). When someone is made to wait in scorching heat for 6-8 hours, then what will happen? If the ambulances had been allowed inside, some people could have been saved. People ran over the children who had fainted. This happened only because of a leader who wanted to become the CM but was unable to arrive at the rally on time."
The DMK leader criticised Vijay over his statement, saying, "In his statement, he says, 'Don't take revenge from me'... What revenge is he talking about? Why did he come at 8 pm when he was scheduled to speak at noon?"
He further said that the state government took every step to save the victims of the stampede and provide treatment to them.
"Everyone is only blaming DMK. The public will throw these (TVK) people out...Govt took every step to save the people and provide treatment to them..." Elangovan stated.
Earlier today, TVK chief Vijay released an emotional statement, his first public reaction following the stampede in Karur during a party rally on September 27, which claimed 41 lives.
"I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. My heart is aching, I am in deep pain," Vijay said in a self-made video posted on social media, adding that the truth about what transpired on the day of the stampede will come out soon.
"People come to see me in this campaign, the only reason behind it is love and affection. In my life, I have never experienced such pain. I will soon meet the victims," he said.
The stampede occurred at Vijay's rally last week. He said people's safety has been a top priority for him.
"Apart from all things, people's safety was the top priority I had always in my heart. Living aside all the political reasons, we always request permission for better, safe place to the police, considering the people's safety, but things which shouldn't have happened have happened," he said.
He said his party functionaries have been arrested by the police.
Addressing Chief Minister MK Stalin, he said, "Chief Minister sir, I request you please do not harm my party functionaries. I will be available at my house or in my office and you can take any action against me, but not against them".
He further clarified why he did not immediately visit the victims of the Karur stampede. The TVK chief said he left Karur immediately after the stampede as he feared his presence might trigger an uncontrollable situation and hamper the safety of people.
He expressed condolences to the families of all those who lost their loved ones.
"I am also human, how can I leave the place after seeing all the suffering. But to avoid further complications, I left the place. I convey my deepest condolences to the families who are grieving due to the loss of their loved ones. I pray that those in the hospital receiving treatment will recover. I will meet you soon," he said.
Meanwhile, the local court in Karur sent two TVK functionaries to judicial custody till October 14 in connection with the stampede. The court passed its judgment today.