CM Vijay's Karur Visit Sparks By-Election Row, AIADMK Slams "Campaigning"

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's recent visit to Karur has sparked a political firestorm, with the opposition AIADMK accusing him of using the occasion to campaign for impending by-elections. The visit, which included handing over appointment orders to families of victims from a stampede last September, has drawn sharp criticism from former Minister D. Jayakumar of the AIADMK.

Jayakumar, addressing journalists on Saturday, July 11, 2026, contended that CM Vijay's presence in Karur was solely motivated by an eye on the likely by-elections to Assembly constituencies. He argued that instead of addressing critical issues such as the 3.5 lakh vacant government posts or the plight of farmers in the Cauvery delta preparing for the Kuruvai cultivation season, the Chief Minister chose to focus on actions perceived as electioneering.

A significant point of contention for the AIADMK leader was CM Vijay's decision to provide government jobs to the families of those who tragically died in the stampede during one of his rallies in September. Jayakumar asserted that the Chief Minister could have personally offered solatium (compensation) to these families. By providing government jobs, Jayakumar claimed, CM Vijay "snatched the opportunities" from countless young people diligently preparing for competitive examinations conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Services Commission.

The AIADMK's strong stance underscores the escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu, especially with the prospect of by-elections on the horizon. The opposition appears determined to scrutinize every move made by the Chief Minister, painting his actions as politically opportunistic rather than genuinely humanitarian.

The Chief Minister, during his visit, reportedly called on voters to "punish" the DMK, further fueling the narrative that his visit was indeed a strategic campaign stop. Accompanied by former Minister Gokula Indira, Jayakumar also took the opportunity to garland the statue of freedom fighter Azhagu Muthukone on his birth anniversary, highlighting the AIADMK's presence and activities in the region.

This incident highlights the intense political maneuvering in the state, where humanitarian gestures can quickly become battlegrounds for electoral advantage. As by-elections loom, the political discourse in Tamil Nadu is expected to remain charged, with every action of the ruling party and opposition coming under sharp public and media scrutiny.

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