DMK under fire over tragic air show in Chennai: 5 dead, hundreds injured

It was shocking news that the Marina Beach Air Show in Chennai ended in tragedy, leaving five dead and over 200 injured. The DMK government is facing intense scrutiny for its apparent lack of preparedness and security measures.

The event, which was attended by Prime Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi, attracted an estimated 4 lakh spectators to witness the displays of 72 aircraft. However, the extreme heat and inadequate crowd management led to catastrophic consequences.

Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for its negligence. In response, DMK student leader Rajiv Gandhi’s attempt to downplay the incident backfired spectacularly.

Rajiv Gandhi tweeted: “It is hot season and the accident occurred unexpectedly.” This soundless statement triggered a firestorm of criticism online.

Netizens were quick to point out how absurd it was to blame the “hot season” of October, which is traditionally known for cooler weather. A user sarcastically asked, “Is Puratasi (September-October) suddenly a summer month for you?”

The AIADMK did not hold back and accused the DMK of sacrificing lives for a spectacle and abandoning the flood victims, but still defended its actions.

This tragedy raises serious questions about the DMK government’s event planning capacity and prioritization of public safety. As the death toll rose compared to initial reports, so did public outrage at the government’s apparent negligence.

As the investigation continues, the DMK is struggling to regain the public’s trust and explain how such a serious security failure occurred under its responsibility.

-Sanyogita