Days after the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur, which claimed 41 lives, Vijay released his first video statement, expressing deep anguish over the incident and vowing that the “truth will emerge soon.”

“I have not faced a painful situation like this in my life. My heart aches. There is only pain in my heart. Public came to see me in the rally. I am always grateful to the love and affection people have given me,” Vijay said in Tamil.

The actor-turned-politician explained that he had prioritized public safety while planning the rally. “In order to ensure there should be no compromise on safety of people, I kept politics aside and chose a place that was safe for the people and requested the police department. But what should not have happened, happened,” he said.

Addressing criticism of his absence after the incident, Vijay stated, “I am also a human. When so many people were affected, how can I leave those people and come back? I didn't go because I wanted to make sure no untoward incident occurs again.”

He further added, “We did not do anything wrong. FIRs are being filed against party leaders.”

In a direct message to Chief Minister MK Stalin, Vijay said, “CM sir, if you have an intention to take revenge, do anything to me. Do not touch them. I'll either be home, or in my office. Do anything you want to me.”

Raising questions about the incident, Vijay said, “We campaigned in five districts, so why did this happen in Karur? How did this take place? People know the truth and they are watching everything,” hinting at a possible political conspiracy.

“I spoke from the spot that was given to us. They are watching everything. When I saw people of Karur spill the truth, I felt as if the Almighty had come on earth to speak the truth. I am confident that the truth will emerge soon,” he added.