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Shashi Tharoor noted the need for a national framework of rules and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (PTI file photo)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed anguish over the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu that claimed 39 lives, calling it a grim reminder of systemic flaws in crowd management across the country.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor said the tragedy was “very tragic and painful,” stressing that such incidents recur far too often.
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“Something is wrong in our country with crowd management. Every year, there seems to be an incident. We remember Bengaluru. It is heartbreaking when we hear children being killed in these stampedes,” he said.
Tharoor noted the need for a national framework of rules and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“People attend rallies in the spirit of seeing their leaders — whether politicians, film stars, or cricketers. The basic expectation should be safety. There must be rules, standards, and protocols in place,” he said.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the Congress leader urged both the Centre and states to adopt “strict procedures” for large gatherings.
“We should not have to repeatedly endure the grief of losing loved ones in such tragedies,” he added.
The deadly stampede occurred during a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur on Saturday.
Officials said the crowd far exceeded the expected turnout, forcing Vijay to pause his speech as people collapsed amid the surge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” the PMO said in a post on X.
Tamil Nadu, India, India
September 28, 2025, 16:55 IST
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