'Most painful time of my life': Vijay holds rally at Karur, promises memorial for stampede victims

KARUR: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday addressed a public meeting at Atlas Ground in Karur, where he distributed compassionate appointment orders to 32 families affected by the stampede that occurred during a TVK rally last year.The event was held under tight security arrangements.Addressing the gathering, Vijay described the stampede as "the most painful time of my life" and alleged that the Tamil Nadu Police had "staged drama" during the incident.CM Joseph Vijay announced that a memorial would be built in Karur to honour the victims of the Karur stampede.Addressing a public gathering in Karur, Vijay said the memorial would ensure that future generations remember the tragedy and understand what he described as the "conspiracy" behind the incident."A memorial will be established in Karur to honour the victims. It will help future generations know about the conspiracy behind the incident," he said."The Perambalur Police alerted us that the crowd was getting too large. But the Karur Police didn't give us any such alert. They themselves brought us to the venue, and I believed them. A memorial will be built in Karur to remember the tragic incident and ensure that future generations never forget what happened, " Joseph Vijay told ANI.The visit marks Vijay's first official trip to Karur since assuming office as chief minister in May.During the programme, Vijay met and consoled the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at a TVK rally on September 27, 2025.State ministers Rajmohan and Vijayalakshmi welcomed the chief minister on stage.Earlier, State Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources and TVK General Secretary N Anand said only 5,000 people with QR code entry passes would be allowed into the venue and appealed to the public to strictly follow police guidelines.Before leaving for Karur from his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, public works and sports development minister Aadhav Arjuna told reporters that the government had finalised and verified the list of those injured in the stampede.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in ChennaiStay updated with the latest Chennai news. Download the TOI App.