Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to Visit Karur, Support Stampede Victims’ Families and Launch ₹1,700-Crore Project

Chennai, July 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will visit Karur on Friday to meet the families of those who lost their lives in the 2025 Karur stampede, hand over government job appointment orders to eligible dependents, unveil welfare initiatives, and lay the foundation stone for a major industrial project expected to create more than 13,000 jobs.

The visit comes nearly ten months after the tragic stampede that occurred on September 27, 2025, during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign event in Veluchamipuram. The incident claimed 41 lives and left several others injured, making it one of the deadliest political gathering disasters in Tamil Nadu’s recent history.

According to the official schedule, the Chief Minister will depart from Chennai by air at 11 a.m. and land at Tiruchy Airport before travelling by road to Karur. His first engagement will be a public function at the Atlas Kalaiyaranga Ground on the Karur-Salem Bypass Road, where he is expected to address a large gathering and announce several welfare measures aimed at supporting local residents and families affected by the tragedy.

During the programme, Vijay will distribute compassionate government appointment orders to 32 eligible members of families who lost their loved ones in the stampede. The appointments are part of the state government’s rehabilitation efforts to provide financial security and long-term support to the bereaved families.

In addition to the job appointments, the Chief Minister will also distribute welfare assistance under various state government schemes to eligible beneficiaries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.

A major highlight of the visit will be the foundation stone laying ceremony for a private non-leather footwear manufacturing unit to be established in Karur with an investment of approximately ₹1,700 crore. The project is expected to generate around 13,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to the district’s industrial growth and strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position as a major manufacturing hub.

Officials said the proposed facility will contribute to the state’s expanding footwear industry while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands of local youth and skilled workers.

Following the public programme, the Chief Minister will proceed to the Government Tourist House for a brief halt before meeting the families of the stampede victims. During the interaction, he is expected to offer condolences and assure them of the government’s continued support and rehabilitation initiatives.

Authorities have made extensive arrangements for the Chief Minister’s visit. Around 6,500 police personnel have been deployed across Karur district to maintain law and order. Tight security has been put in place along the Chief Minister’s route and at all event venues, while traffic diversions and crowd management measures have also been implemented to ensure the smooth conduct of the day’s programmes.

After completing his engagements in Karur, Chief Minister Vijay will travel back to Tiruchy Airport by road before returning to Chennai later in the evening.