The Tamil Nadu government is taking a proactive step towards ensuring safer political gatherings by inviting various political parties for a crucial consultation. Scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Chennai, this meeting aims to finalize a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all political rallies and meetings across the state. This initiative includes representatives from parties recognized by the Election Commission of India and those with members in the State Legislature Assembly and Parliament, highlighting a collaborative effort.
According to an official release from the Tamil Nadu government on Monday, November 3, senior ministers will lead these important discussions at the Secretariat premises. Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam is personally extending invitations to the concerned political leaders, emphasizing the gravity and urgency of the matter.
This move comes in the wake of a tragic stampede that occurred on September 27 at actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Karur, where 41 individuals lost their lives. Following this devastating incident, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on October 4 that extensive consultations with experts and political party representatives would be held to craft robust guidelines and prevent such future catastrophes.
Further underscoring the urgency, the Madras High Court on October 27 mandated the Tamil Nadu government to produce a draft SOP for political meetings and rallies within ten days. The court, led by the Chief Justice, specifically directed that this draft be submitted by November 11, pushing for swift action to enhance public safety at such large-scale events.
(Image caption: A file photo from September 27, 2025, shows Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay addressing a rally in Namakkal district, illustrating the context of political gatherings in the region.)