Vijay Karur Speech Highlights: Tamil Nadu CM Speaks On Karur Stampede, Announces Memorial, Targets DMK

CM Vijay Karur Speech Highlights: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday, July 10, delivered an emotionally charged speech during his visit to Karur, where he met families affected by the 2025 Karur stampede and attended a government function to hand over government job appointment orders to eligible members of the victims' families. The visit marked his first official trip to Karur since assuming office as Chief Minister in May.

Addressing a gathering at Atlas Kalaiarangam, Vijay described the Karur stampede as one of the deepest personal tragedies of his life. He said that regardless of how successful a person becomes, certain painful memories remain forever, adding that the deaths of 41 people during the September 2025 incident continue to weigh heavily on him.

Reflecting on the events leading up to the stampede, Vijay questioned the handling of security arrangements by the police. He said officials had previously advised him to avoid another campaign venue because of large crowds and argued that a similar warning could have been issued before his arrival in Karur. According to Vijay, the authorities had the power to regulate or even cancel public meetings if they believed the situation had become unsafe. He maintained that he had relied on the police for crowd management and asked whether adequate security had been deployed considering the turnout.

The Chief Minister also criticised allegations that he had remained silent after the tragedy, stating that he continued to carry the pain of losing people whom he considered his own. He further accused the previous DMK government of politicising the incident and questioned its approach to the issue during discussions in the Assembly.

During the event, Vijay announced that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) would establish a memorial in Karur in memory of the 41 people who died in the stampede. He said the memorial would serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

CM Vijay Criticises DMK, Highlights Government's Performance

Beyond the stampede, Vijay used the occasion to highlight his government's functioning and launch a series of political attacks on the opposition. He alleged that corruption had been widespread during the previous DMK administration and claimed that government offices were now functioning without the bribery practices that, according to him, existed under the previous administration. He also asserted that his government would continue taking stronger administrative measures in the coming months.

On the long-standing Mekedatu issue, Vijay questioned the previous government's handling of Tamil Nadu's legal challenge related to Karnataka's proposed dam project. He argued that meaningful action was more important than public statements and said his administration preferred results over rhetoric. Vijay also reiterated that he entered politics with the objective of serving the people and urged supporters to continue backing his party.

The Chief Minister also responded to criticism over the induction of former AIADMK leaders into the TVK, dismissing remarks made by the opposition and accusing the DMK of encouraging corruption in electoral politics. Without directly naming senior DMK leader E.V. Velu, Vijay also took an apparent swipe at him over an ongoing investigation.

Before concluding his address, Vijay appealed to the public not to pay bribes even if they were demanded by officials, assuring them that his government would stand by citizens in their fight against corruption.

Vijay's Karur visit also included an official programme at the District Collectorate, where government job appointment orders were distributed to 31 members of families affected by the Karur stampede. The appointments were allowed to proceed after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitted the government to issue the orders, while making it clear that the appointments would remain temporary and subject to judicial review.

The Karur stampede, which occurred during a TVK rally in September 2025, claimed 41 lives and injured more than 100 people. The incident remains a significant political and legal issue in Tamil Nadu, with the investigation still underway.