Nearly a year after the stampede that claimed 41 lives during the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday made his first visit to the district since becoming chief minister.
During the visit, Vijay accused the DMK of trying to make “political gains” from the tragedy and criticized the party for allegedly preventing him from visiting Karur earlier.
He also questioned the police’s handling of the event, saying they did not warn him of the growing crowds and did not cancel the meeting despite having the authority to do so.
As part of the visit, Vijay handed over appointment orders to government jobs to eligible family members of those who died in the stampede, news agency PTI reported. He also announced that a memorial would be built in honor of the victims.
His visit quickly became a talking point on X, as users praised his symbolic gestures, welcomed relief measures for victims’ families, and discussed his remarks on corruption and policing.
Read also: Were there enough police? Vijay slams ‘political mileage’ on Karur’s first visit as Tamil Nadu CM after stampede
Black clothes attract attention
One of the biggest talking points online was Vijay’s decision to wear black during the visit. Many supporters saw it as a symbolic tribute to those who died in the tragedy.
“Vijay’s return to Karur in black is a powerful statement. Sometimes, leadership communicates just as powerfully through symbolism as it does through words!” one user wrote.
“Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri C Joseph Vijay stepped on the Karur grounds wearing a black dress,” another post read.
A third user explained this gesture by saying: “He speaks less, but his gesture will not do that. Black: symbolic mourning.”
Jobs for victims’ families
Vijay’s decision to provide government jobs to eligible relatives of those killed in the stampede also won praise from many social media users, who described it as a meaningful step towards supporting the bereaved families.
“This is truly heartwarming news. After losing your son, having an actor like CM Vijay step in to ensure a stable future for you through a government job seems like exactly what is needed,” one user wrote.
Another wrote: “He actually turned out to be a good president. Good days ahead for Tamil Nadu. Looks like the people of TN have made the right choice.”
Anti-corruption message raises controversy
Vijay’s appeal asking people not to pay bribes and instead report officials demanding illegal payments also sparked debate online.
One user described him as a “textbook example of what a Prime Minister should be like.”
However, others felt that eliminating corruption would require stronger administrative measures.
One critic responded: “Bribery isn’t that simple. Keep selling eyewash while it’s still working.”
Another user wrote: “Saying ‘don’t pay bribes’ is a good start. Ensuring that no one asks for bribes and acting firmly against illegal activities is what people expect from the government.”
Not all reactions were supportive. Vijay’s comments questioning the police’s handling of the Karur rally and questioning who instructed the officers to allow the event to go ahead despite the crowd also drew criticism.
“The state chief minister is blaming the administration he is responsible for even while an investigation is underway into an incident involving him. It’s charming. This is usually considered criminal intimidation,” one user wrote.
