"Wound that does not heal, pain that does not fade": Vijay pays tribute to Karur stampede victims
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay remembers the 41 lives lost in the Karur stampede on its first anniversary, calling it a wound that does not heal.
Marking the first anniversary of the tragic Karur stampede, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed his deep sorrow on Sunday, describing the event as a permanent scar on the hearts of the people. The tragedy, which occurred on September 27, 2025, claimed 41 lives and remains one of the most devastating safety disasters during a political gathering in the state's recent history.
In a poignant message shared on X, the Chief Minister reflected on the heavy emotional toll the incident has taken on himself, his party, and the entire state. He referred to the victims as relatives who reside in his heart, emphasizing that the grief remains as fresh as the day it happened.
A Day of Unspeakable Grief
The stampede took place during a high-profile political rally addressed by Vijay in the Karur district. Reflecting on the date, the Chief Minister stated:
"Last year. This same day. That is, September 27, 2025. A day in my lifetime, in the lives of our Karur relatives, in the hearts of our Tamil Nadu kin, a wound that does not heal, a pain that does not fade, a sorrowful event that took place."
Vijay extended his solidarity to the families of the deceased, promising that the government and his supporters would stand as a source of comfort, support, and refuge for those struggling to cope with the loss. He offered his heartfelt tributes to the departed souls, noting that they continue to live on in collective memory.
Legal Battle Over Compassionate Appointments
As the state observes this solemn anniversary, the legal implications of the tragedy continue to unfold in the courts. A significant legal dispute has emerged regarding the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government jobs to the kin of those killed in the stampede.
The Supreme Court recently intervened in this matter, staying a Madras High Court ruling that had previously struck down the government's decision to offer these appointments. The High Court had originally quashed the orders, citing constitutional concerns under Articles 14 and 16, questioning whether the state could create an exceptional category of employment for the victims' families while other candidates were awaiting compassionate appointments.
However, the Supreme Court has questioned the basis for restricting the government's relief measures. A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Vinod Chandran noted the following points during the proceedings:
- The stampede was an unfortunate incident resulting in significant loss of life.
- The government had already decided to provide compensation to the affected families.
- The court questioned why the State should be prevented from providing employment as an additional form of relief, particularly in cases where the deceased was the sole breadwinner.
The legal battle involves high-profile representation, with the State government led by Vijay being represented by senior advocates including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mukul Rohatgi. Senior Advocate Arundhati Katju is representing the victims of the Karur stampede in this ongoing matter.