"Take some onus and responsibility for what happened": DMK MP slams TVK chief and party workers over Karur stampede

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 30 : Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Tuesday criticised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay and his party functionaries over the Karur stampede that claimed more than 41 lives during a rally held by the TVK. She urged the party leadership to "take some onus and responsibility" for the tragedy.
Speaking to the media, Kanimozhi said that instead of indulging in blame games, the focus should be on standing with the affected families. She said, "...It has torn apart families and the dreams they had. I think this is not the time for blaming people, that's what the CM has also said...It is not the time to blame each other, it is the time to be with the people..."
The DMK leader also condemned the actions of the TVK chief, Vijay, for allegedly fleeing the scene. She added, "Fleeing the scene and not being there, any responsible leader should not leave. Even if you have left, you should make sure that at least your party functionaries are there because people came to see you...I don't think anybody from their party (TVK) has been there to reach out to the people..."
Kanimozhi further noted that a one-person commission has already started its work. "There is a one-person commission and I think Madam has already reached there and she has started her work...Let us wait and be there and reach out to the people. Don't talk about shifting the blame on somebody else. Take some onus and responsibility for what has happened," she added.
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the tragedy.
Addressing the media, he said, "An inquiry commission headed by a retired judge has been formed. If lapses are found, strict action will be taken against those responsible."
Mahesh also appealed to students to prioritise their safety and education, saying, "Students must focus on their studies. Life is most important; following leaders comes only after that," he said.
Meanwhile, an eight-member National Democratic Alliance (NDA) delegation left for Karur on Tuesday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
The delegation will stay in Karur until October 2 and submit a detailed report based on its findings to the government, he added. The delegation will also meet with families who have been affected by the tragedy.
The delegation was constituted by BJP chief JP Nadda and includes BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Tejasvi Surya, Braj Lal, Aprajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, and Shrikant Shinde of the Shiv Sena, as well as Putta Mahesh Kumar from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). BJP MP Hema Malini is the convenor of the committee.