At Least 31 Dead in India Election Rally Stampede

At least 31 people have died and dozens were injured in a stampede at an election rally in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The rally was part of the election campaign of Indian actor Vijay, who founded the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

According to Reuters, more than 50 people are hospitalized. State lawmaker Senthil Balaji reported that 58 people are being treated after being trampled.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the incident via a post on X, calling it "deeply saddening." The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, is expected to visit the area.

Vijay, a well-known actor, founded his political party last year and began his election campaign ahead of the state elections to be held early next year.