Chennai, October 3: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over their handling of the Karur stampede tragedy, accusing the Centre of acting with political motives rather than genuine concern.
Addressing a public meeting in Ramanathapuram, Stalin alleged that the Centre was quick to send ministers and commissions to Karur because of the upcoming elections, but had shown no such urgency during other national tragedies. “Why was no panel sent for the Manipur ethnic violence, the Gujarat bridge collapse, or the Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj? Why this selective concern?” Stalin questioned.
The September 27 stampede during a rally of actor and TVK chief Vijay in Karur claimed 41 lives, sparking political tension in the state. While Sitharaman and BJP MPs visited the families of victims, Stalin said their actions were “politically motivated.”
He further sharpened his attack, branding the BJP as a party that “survives by sucking someone else’s blood” and even a “washing machine” for individuals seeking to escape accountability. Stalin also targeted the AIADMK, accusing it of reducing itself to a “puppet” by aligning with the BJP, which he claimed undermines state rights and federalism.
Reiterating his faith in the Dravidian Model of governance, Stalin asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu would once again endorse the DMK in the upcoming polls. “This mission will continue under the Dravidian Model 2.0. It will be our government that wins again,” he said.
The Karur tragedy has triggered a political blame game, with the DMK, BJP, and AIADMK trading sharp accusations over responsibility and response.
