Karur – Tamil Nadu Minister Says CM Vijay Will Visit Stampede-Hit District
Karur – Tamil Nadu Minister P Nirmal Kumar on Tuesday accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of trying to prevent Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay from travelling to Karur, where a stampede tragedy has remained a major concern for residents and the state administration.
Minister Calls Karur a Deeply Emotional Issue
Speaking to ANI, Kumar said Karur holds painful memories for the government and the people associated with those affected by the stampede. He said the administration continues to consider the victims and their families as part of its extended community and wants to remain connected with them.
According to Kumar, the government has not moved past the tragedy and believes it has a responsibility to meet local residents and understand their concerns. He said the Chief Minister’s planned visit is intended to engage with people in the district and assess the situation directly.
DMK Accused of Opposing Chief Minister’s Travel
Kumar questioned why the DMK had reportedly objected whenever Chief Minister Vijay’s proposed visit to Karur was discussed. He claimed that the opposition party appeared uncomfortable with the Chief Minister returning to the district after the stampede incident.
He said the Chief Minister, as the head of the state government, has the authority to travel anywhere in Tamil Nadu. Kumar added that political opposition should not interfere with efforts to meet people affected by a serious public tragedy.
The minister maintained that Chief Minister Vijay would visit Karur according to the planned schedule and speak with residents. He said the government would not step away from its commitment to the district despite criticism from political opponents.
Supreme Court Allows Bharathi to Withdraw Plea
The minister’s remarks came after the Supreme Court declined to consider an application filed by DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi in connection with the Karur rally stampede case.
Bharathi had raised concerns that some accused persons linked to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam were allegedly attempting to influence witnesses. He had also sought directions related to public statements and other activities by those named in the case.
A bench comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe permitted Bharathi to withdraw the application. The court also allowed him to seek any other legal remedies available under the law.
The bench noted that the application was being withdrawn at the request of Bharathi’s counsel. It dismissed the matter as withdrawn while leaving open the option for the applicant to pursue other legal routes.
Court Questions Scope of Political Rival’s Application
During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned how it could take up an application from a political opponent after the investigation into the stampede had already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Bharathi, argued that certain accused persons were attempting to shape public opinion after the case was transferred to the CBI. He said Bharathi did not oppose financial support for victims but objected to accused persons being directly involved in compensation-related actions.
Kumar also referred to media statements allegedly made by those accused in the case. The court, however, observed that the Chief Minister was not listed as an accused person in the stampede investigation.
The Karur case continues to draw political attention in Tamil Nadu, with the CBI investigation expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and address concerns raised by different parties.