CHENNAI: State Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday came down heavily on AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) for accusing the ruling DMK government of failing to ensure adequate security during public meetings and rallies of opposition parties, following the stampede at actor and TVK president Vijay's rally in Karur.

In a statement, Ma Subramanian said it was regrettable that a Leader of the Opposition chose to indulge in "petty politics" at a time when the entire State was grieving a heart-wrenching tragedy. "When the people of Tamil Nadu are mourning, EPS is attempting to derive political mileage out of a calamity. There are several platforms to debate politics, but doing so amidst a disaster is heartless and condemnable," he said.

The minister recalled that the police had imposed stringent safety guidelines and conditions after reviewing earlier rallies, but the TVK approached the Madras High Court to challenge them. "Despite clear restrictions, TVK functionaries violated police norms, resulting in chaos. EPS, without understanding the facts, is irresponsibly hurling baseless allegations," he charged.

Ma Subramanian further accused the former Chief Minister of setting a "dangerous political precedent" by instigating people against ambulances during rallies. "It was EPS who misled Tamil Nadu by blocking ambulances and spreading a wrong mindset among the cadre. His reckless comments have influenced such unacceptable behaviour," he alleged.

Defending the government's swift response, the Minister stated that Chief Minister MK Stalin personally monitored rescue operations, deputed ministers to Karur, and announced relief measures, as well as an inquiry commission. "Unlike EPS, who watched from a distance during past crises, our Chief Minister acted immediately," he asserted.

Further, Ma Subramanian urged the opposition to engage in responsible politics. "Don’t do politics over the dead. EPS's statements are politically indecent and morally bankrupt," he added.