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TVK Vijay's Salem Rally Tightens Entry After Karur Stampede Tragedy

Entry procedures have been significantly tightened for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's election campaign meeting in Salem, with strict verification of identity cards and QR code-embedded passes. The rally attendance is restricted to 4,998 individuals as a safety precaution following the Karur stampede tragedy last September that claimed 41 lives. Heavy police deployment, vehicle checks, and traffic diversions are in place to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety. For cadres and fans unable to secure entry, the party has arranged special live-streaming of the address through media and social platforms.

Key Points: Vijay's Salem Rally: Strict Entry SOPs After Stampede

  • Strict ID & QR code entry
  • Crowd capped at 4,998 people
  • Heavy police deployment & traffic diversions
  • Live streaming for excluded fans
3 min read

Entry SOPs changed for TVK Vijay's Salem election campaign meeting after Karur stampede tragedy

TVK enforces QR codes & police checks for Vijay's Salem election meeting, limiting crowd to 5,000 after last year's fatal stampede.

"It's been a pleasure to be here; almost 5,000 people have come from various parts of Salem. - TVK cadre Nitish"

Salem, February 13

Entry Standard Operating Procedures have been changed and significantly tightened for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's election campaign meeting in Salem on Friday, following last year's Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives.

As a precautionary measure, identity cards of party members and functionaries are being strictly verified at the venue. The rally, scheduled at KVP Garden in Seelanaickenpatti between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, has been restricted to 4,998 individuals in line with police guidelines. Only those issued QR code-embedded entry passes are being allowed inside, with no exceptions.

Heavy police deployment, vehicle checks at key entry points, and traffic diversions have been enforced to ensure public safety and prevent overcrowding. Authorities have stated that the measures aim to maintain law and order during the high-profile political event, particularly in light of the stampede incident in September last year that claimed 41 lives during a TVK gathering.

TVK cadre Nitish expressed enthusiasm, saying, "It's been a pleasure to be here; almost 5,000 people have come from various parts of Salem. I am too excited to listen to his speech. He might give an important announcement about the elections and alliance."

Earlier in the day, TVK Salem District Secretary Parthiban said many cadres and fans were disappointed because they could not secure entry passes, but added that special live-streaming arrangements had been made through the media and social platforms to ensure wider access to Vijay's address.

"TVK public meeting will definitely happen soon in Salem, headed by our leader Vijay. Several of our cadres and Vijay's fans were disappointed as they couldn't participate in the meeting. We have arranged special streaming and live uploads through media and social media. We are very eager to see our leader Vijay speak. Salem has 11 constituencies, TVK is strong in each and every single constituency," Parthiban told ANI.

The election meeting comes ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

Meanwhile, district-level administrators have ensured that only authorised participants will be allowed to attend. The arrangements for the programme were inspected yesterday by the party's General Secretary N Anand, General Secretary (Election Management) Aadhav Arjuna, Executive Committee Chief Coordinator KA Sengottaiyan, and other party functionaries. They also addressed the media following their inspection.

Party cadres and members of the public who have not received entry passes have been requested to refrain from coming to the venue. They have been urged to watch the programme through live television broadcasts instead. The party has appealed for full cooperation in adhering to these regulations.

The police have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel through these routes and to use alternative roads to prevent congestion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Strict SOPs are necessary, but limiting to only 5000 people for a political leader like Vijay seems too restrictive. Many genuine supporters will be disappointed. The live streaming is a good alternative though. 👍
K
Karthik V
QR code passes and heavy police bandobast... feels more like a security drill for a VVIP than an election rally! But given what happened last time, can't blame them. Safety first.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has seen crowd disasters in other countries, I appreciate these measures. The Indian police are learning from past mistakes. The traffic diversions are also smart planning.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, I hope this doesn't become a trend where only "official" party members get access. Elections are about connecting with the common public, not just cadre. A bit of respectful criticism here.
M
Meera T
Good move! After the heartbreaking Karur incident, no political rally is worth risking lives. Hope all parties follow such strict protocols. Jai Hind.

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