Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister visits Karur wearing all black in a symbolic gesture of mourning C. Joseph Vijay on Friday held the previous DMK government fully responsible for the riot that claimed 41 lives and accused the police of “playing a drama” by taking him to the mob on the day of the incident.
In his 21-minute speech at a public rally in Karur, Vijay asserted that neither he nor his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), can be blamed for the tragedy.
He alleged that the incident was a “conspiracy” and “betrayal” orchestrated by the DMK, which he claimed felt threatened by his political entry.
From Karur – a seat that marked a defining moment in his political career – Vijay sent a strong message to the DMK: “Wake up from your deep slumber and accept that people have thrown you out of power and installed the TVK government.”
Launching a frontal attack on the DMK, Vijay asked the people to “continue to punish” the party for its “misdeeds and corrupt activities”, including in the ensuing elections.
He also addressed governance, asking citizens to bravely refuse to pay bribes to government officials and assured the public that he would stand behind any common man who faces harassment.
The Prime Minister announced that a memorial to the riot victims will be built in Karur by the TVK to ensure that future generations remember the “painful incident”. He also submitted government job appointment orders to 31 individuals whose family members died in the tragedy.
In his outspoken political speech, Vijay asserted that his government will not compromise on Tamil Nadu’s interests regarding Karnataka’s proposal to build a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. He further stated that the state will never accept a delimitation process that is not in its interest.
On the subject of governance, Vijay highlighted the strong measures his 60-day administration has taken against corruption. He also defended his decision to scrap several projects, such as the elevated corridor along the East Coast Road, conceived by the previous DMK government.
“If someone asks you for a bribe, tell them: ‘I will not give it’. Tell them that this is the government of our son, our brother, the government of our Vijai. Speak loudly. When you are with me, not only bribery and corruption, but anyone who tries to throw his weight will be brought to his knees,” he added.
Giving a fresh perspective to the Karur incident, Vijay said the police could have asked him to leave the venue or cancel the event if the crowd had swelled like in Perambalur.
“If the police canceled the evening, I would have no choice. They have every right to do that. They don’t need to ask us at all. But they played a drama. I didn’t know such a drama was going to unfold. Who is responsible for all this? Who told them to do this? Who gave these instructions?” he asked.
He also targeted former DMK minister V Senthil Balaji, whom the TVK blamed for the Karuri incident, accusing him of “running away”.
