The AIADMK on Saturday (July 11, 2026) criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for having carried out his visit to Karur only with an eye on by-elections likely to be held to Assembly constituencies.

Former Minister D. Jayakumar, who interacted with journalists, said the Chief Minister could have spoken about 3.5 lakh posts in the State government lying vacant or the problems being faced by farmers, especially those in the Cauvery delta who would be raising paddy during the ongoing Kuruvai cultivation season.

As for families of those who died in the stampede during a rally held by Mr. Vijay in September last, Mr. Jayakumar said the Chief Minister could have paid solatium on his own, instead of providing government jobs.  

By his action, Mr. Vijay had “snatched the opportunities” of  the youth who had been preparing themselves for competitive examinations to be conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Services Commission, Mr. Jayakumar said. 

Accompanied by former Minister Gokula Indira, he garlanded the statue of Azhagu Muthukone on the occasion of the freedom fighter’s birth anniversary.