CM Vijay announces memorial for Karur stampede victims, unveils Rs 1,700-cr project, 13,500 Jobs

Mangalore Today News Network

Tamil Nadu, Jul 10, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay made a significant and emotionally charged visit to Karur on Friday. This marks his first official trip to the district since assuming office and his first return following the tragic stampede in September last year, which claimed 41 lives during a party roadshow.

Dressed in black as a symbol of mourning and solidarity, the Chief Minister delivered a series of crucial administrative and political announcements, focusing heavily on rehabilitation, industrial employment, and systemic corruption.

Memorial for Stampede Victims

Addressing a massive gathering at the Atlas Ground under stringent security, Vijay announced that the TVK will establish a permanent memorial in Karur to honour the 41 people who lost their lives in the 2025 tragedy. Reflecting on the incident, he described it as the most painful chapter of his life, asserting that no political success could erase the grief of losing innocent supporters.

Rehabilitation and Government Jobs

In a major relief measure for the affected families, the Chief Minister distributed compassionate government job appointment orders to eligible members of 32 families impacted by the stampede. The appointments, spanning various government departments based on educational qualifications, proceeded after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitted the state government to issue the orders on a temporary basis. This state-backed rehabilitation package follows the Rs 20 lakh compensation previously provided by Vijay to each bereaved family.

Major Employment Boost

Beyond rehabilitation, the visit delivered a massive economic boost to the region. Vijay laid the foundation stone for a massive non-leather footwear manufacturing facility by Evervan Kothari Footwear Private Limited in Manavasi village, near Krishnarayapuram.

* Total Investment: Rs 1,700 crore
* Job Creation: Estimated to generate employment for approximately 13,500 people
* Focus: Industrial growth and local employment opportunities in the Karur region

Political Counter-Attack and Governance

Using the platform to address political detractors, the Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the opposition DMK, labelling it a “vending machine" of electoral corruption. Defending his administration’s anti-graft measures, Vijay asserted that institutional corruption has been heavily curbed in government offices since he took office. He also firmly reiterated his stance against the proposed delimitation exercise, declaring that Tamil Nadu would categorically reject any move that undermines the state’s rightful political representation.