Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Karur on Friday to personally distribute compassionate appointment orders to the families of victims who lost their lives in the tragic Karur stampede. Terming the disaster an “unhealed wound” that continues to cause him immense mental anguish, the Chief Minister handed out job placements to one member from each of the 32 affected families at a function held at the Atlas Arena.
The tragedy occurred on September 27 last year during a TVK election campaign rally on the eve of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, resulting in 41 deaths. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident is currently underway. Following the disaster, the state government disbursed an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to each bereaved family, while the TVK provided an additional Rs 20 lakh in compensation.
Court Rulings and Job Formats The distribution event took place alongside proceedings at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Responding to a petition challenging the state’s decision to offer permanent government employment to the victims’ families, the court directed that the beneficiaries be offered temporary appointments for the time being. The jobs have been allocated based on the educational qualifications of the respective family members to ensure long-term financial security.
Political Retort and Policy Assurances Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vijay strongly defended his administration and countered critics who held him personally responsible for the stampede. “They pinned the blame on me for the Karur incident, but I entered politics for the sake of the people, and I am determined to bring a permanent end to such tragedies,” he stated.
Vijay also launched a political attack on the Opposition, claiming they staging walkouts in the Legislative Assembly at the mere mention of the term “party fund.” He asserted that while widespread corruption previously plagued government departments, public perception indicates that bribery and corruption have significantly reduced under his administration.
Reiterating his government’s dedication to its welfare manifesto, the Chief Minister confirmed that the state will soon implement its promised election scheme: presenting a gold ring to newborns on behalf of the maternal uncle to mark the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai (Arignar Anna).
