Chennai, July 10:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, during his visit to Karur, described last year’s stampede tragedy as an “unhealed wound” and strongly defended his role, stating that he had trusted the police to manage the crowd but was later blamed for the incident that claimed 41 lives.
In his first visit to Karur after assuming office, Vijay expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives, saying the pain continues to weigh heavily on him even after nine months. He visited the district to distribute appointment letters to members of victims’ families as part of the government’s relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Rejecting allegations against his party, Vijay questioned whether adequate crowd control and security arrangements were in place on the day of the tragedy. He indicated that lapses in planning and execution must be examined rather than shifting blame. “Nine months have passed, but the pain remains. We lost precious lives, and that responsibility must be understood in the right perspective,” he said.
Addressing a public meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Karur incident would never fade from his memory and announced that a memorial would be constructed in the district to honour the victims. He said the memorial would serve as a lasting reminder to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Vijay also launched a strong political attack on the previous DMK government, accusing it of administrative failures and lack of preparedness in handling large gatherings. He alleged corruption in various sectors, claiming that inflated infrastructure contracts — including bridge projects in Chennai — were identified and cancelled by his administration.
According to him, governance under his leadership is free of bribery and delays, with people experiencing faster services in government offices.
Highlighting key developments, Vijay announced a ₹18,000 crore agreement with L&T and outlined upcoming welfare initiatives, including the “Thaai Maaman Thanga Modhiram” scheme. He positioned these measures as part of his government’s commitment to public welfare and economic development.
In a series of sharp remarks, Vijay criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of promoting a “cash-for-votes” culture and engaging in political conspiracies. He claimed that certain leaders were evading accountability, while also alleging that the previous regime ignored judicial warnings and failed to effectively argue key cases, including the Mekedatu dam issue.
Taking aim at criticism directed at him, Vijay said he is targeted regardless of his actions. “If I don’t speak, they question me; if I speak, they say I don’t understand politics,” he remarked, adding that even his brief speeches trigger reactions from opponents.
He further challenged critics to prove their claims in upcoming by-elections, urging voters to reject what he termed “negative forces” through democratic means. Emphasising his governance philosophy, Vijay stated, “Talk less, work more is our politics,” underlining his focus on action, accountability, and delivery.
Vijay’s visit, marked by symbolic gestures such as wearing black attire, was seen as both a tribute to the victims and a political statement. The Karur stampede remains one of the most tragic incidents in recent years in Tamil Nadu, and the debate over responsibility and accountability continues to shape the state’s political discourse.