Tragic Stampede Claims Dozens of Lives in India

At least 31 people died and more than 50 were injured in a deadly stampede during a campaign rally for Indian actor-turned-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu state on Saturday. The tragedy occurred as massive crowds gathered to support Vijay's new political party ahead of crucial state elections scheduled for early next year.

Police officer V. Silvaraj from Karur district confirmed the death toll and said more than 50 people were rushed to hospitals after the incident. The stampede happened during what was meant to be a routine campaign event as part of Vijay's political tour across the state.

Vijay launched his political party last year and began his election campaign this month. The actor, who has a massive following in Tamil Nadu, is preparing for state elections that could reshape the political landscape in one of India's most populous states.

State parliament member Senthil Balaji told reporters that 58 people were hospitalized following what he described as a stampede incident. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced he would visit the area on Sunday to assess the situation.

The tragedy highlights the risks of large political gatherings in India, where popular figures like Vijay can draw enormous crowds that sometimes overwhelm safety measures. Campaign rallies regularly attract tens of thousands of supporters, but crowd control remains a persistent challenge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident on social media platform X, calling it "deeply saddening" and describing the stampede as a "distressing incident during a political gathering in Karur, Tamil Nadu."

Media reports indicated that at least 44 doctors were dispatched to Karur to help treat the injured. The incident raises questions about safety protocols at political events as India's election season intensifies.

For Vijay's fledgling political career, the tragedy casts a shadow over his transition from cinema to politics. The actor joins a long tradition of film stars who have successfully entered Tamil Nadu politics, but this incident will likely prompt stricter crowd management measures at future rallies.