CHENNAI: Following the Karur tragedy, the BJP’s national leadership has reportedly started efforts to engage actor-politician Vijay. This is believed to be the reason why the NDA delegation of MPs, led by actress and BJP MP Hema Malini, refrained from blaming him.

Vijay has called for a CBI inquiry into the incident, citing a lack of trust in the state government. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Vijay over the phone. Sources say the discussion focused on strengthening security measures. Tamil media reports have clarified that the rumours claiming Vijay refused to speak when Amit Shah called are false.

If the case is handed over to the CBI, it could be a political setback for the DMK. With elections nearing, the DMK fears that a CBI probe could target its leaders, including former minister Senthil Balaji.

At the same time, district authorities confirmed that 104 people injured in the tragedy have been discharged from hospital, while six others are still undergoing treatment.

After Vijay’s video message about the incident was released, the government’s official response came from spokesperson and IAS officer Amudha. In a press meet, she released visuals showing TVK’s announcement of Vijay’s arrival at Karur at noon, as well as TVK workers climbing onto shop rooftops. Other videos showed police helping collapsed people, and people falling on top of others in the heavy rush.

The government also rejected allegations that power supply was cut off, saying there was no disruption and that the workers had forcibly entered the area where generators were placed. Meanwhile, footage of someone throwing a slipper at Vijay in the crowd has gone viral.

Vijay needs a script for everything
Naam Tamilar Katchi leader and filmmaker Seeman mocked Vijay, saying the actor took four days to respond because he was waiting for a script.

AIADMK leader and opposition chief Edappadi Palaniswami also criticised Vijay at a campaign rally, asking how someone who arrived on a private jet, gave a speech, and then immediately flew away could ever become a good Chief Minister. He blamed the state government for the tragedy.