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Key Points

The Tamil Nadu BJP has intensified its criticism of the DMK government over the Karur stampede tragedy. They're demanding a CBI investigation while accusing the ruling party of protecting former minister Senthil Balaji. The BJP claims Balaji's recent press conference was an attempt to distort facts about the incident that killed 41 people. They've also announced that NDA MPs will submit a report to the Centre seeking a Supreme Court-monitored probe into administrative failures.

Key Points: BJP Demands CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede Slams Senthil Balaji

  • BJP demands CBI probe into Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives
  • Accuses DMK government of shielding former minister Senthil Balaji
  • Criticizes state-appointed commission as diversion from accountability
  • Highlights TASMAC liquor outlet corruption allegations since 2021
  • NDA MPs to submit report urging Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe
2 min read

Karur stampede: TN BJP says Minister Senthil Balaji distorting facts, seeks CBI probe

Tamil Nadu BJP accuses DMK of shielding Senthil Balaji, seeks CBI investigation into Karur stampede that killed 41, calls state probe a diversion tactic.

"Senthil Balaji’s unchecked, anti-people activities and nefarious politics of money and power cannot bury justice - BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad"

Chennai, Oct 2

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu on Thursday sharpened its attack on the DMK government over the Karur stampede tragedy that killed 41 people, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and accusing the ruling party of shielding former minister Senthil Balaji.

In a strongly worded statement, BJP state spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said that the DMK was “complicit in killing democracy” by backing “the politics of money and deceit” instead of facing the people on real issues.

He charged that Senthil Balaji, who is facing corruption allegations, had “no moral right to speak about public life” and that his recent press conference was aimed at distorting facts and diverting attention from the tragedy.

“Senthil Balaji’s unchecked, anti-people activities and nefarious politics of money and power cannot bury justice,” Prasad said, adding that the DMK must stop “scavenging on tragedies and engaging in the commerce of death.”

Prasad called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to act beyond political considerations and announce a CBI investigation to uncover the “true conspiracy” behind the stampede and deliver justice to victims’ families.

He warned that the BJP would “relentlessly expose the betrayal of Tamil Nadu’s people” and pursue legal accountability for those responsible.

The BJP also criticised the state government’s quick move to set up a one-member commission under retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan, calling it an attempt to deflect public anger.

“Why is Senthil Balaji trying to pre-empt the commission’s work and feed misleading narratives?” Prasad asked.

Highlighting inconsistencies in Balaji’s statements, the BJP said the former minister had effectively confirmed allegations of corruption at state-run TASMAC liquor outlets by acknowledging thousands of cases of undercharging and overcharging since 2021.

Prasad said Chief Minister Stalin must explain these irregularities to the public.

The party announced that a team of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs from Tamil Nadu, guided by BJP national president J.P. Nadda, would submit a detailed report to the Centre urging a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into administrative lapses by the state police.

The Union Home Ministry has already sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government following the Prime Minister’s condolence message and emergency relief to victims’ families. Prasad concluded that the people of Tamil Nadu are “awakening to the truth” behind the Karur tragedy and that the BJP “will fight until justice is delivered”.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Meera T
Why are we always seeing political parties fighting when people die? First focus should be on helping victims' families and ensuring such incidents don't repeat. Politics can wait.
A
Arjun K
BJP is right to demand CBI probe. State commission under retired judge looks like eyewash. We need independent investigation to get to the bottom of this tragedy. Justice delayed is justice denied.
S
Sarah B
While I agree investigation is needed, the language used by BJP spokesperson seems too harsh. "Commerce of death" and "scavenging on tragedies" - such strong words don't help in finding solutions.
P
Priya S
TASMAC corruption allegations are serious. If there are thousands of cases of undercharging and overcharging since 2021, why wasn't action taken earlier? This shows systematic failure in administration.
K
Karthik V
As a Tamilian, I'm tired of both DMK and BJP playing politics over dead bodies. First provide proper compensation to families, then investigate properly without political drama.

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