CM Vijay’s Karur style swap: Meaning behind all-black attire

KARUR: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Karur on Friday, marking his first visit to the area since a devastating crowd disaster claimed 41 lives during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election campaign rally on September 27, 2025.

Departing from his usual black-and-white attire, the Chief Minister arrived dressed entirely in black to express solidarity with the families of the 41 victims and those injured in the tragedy. The choice of clothing was also seen as a strong political statement within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, where the colour black signifies Dravidian identity, the rights of the oppressed, and revolution. Speaking at the TVK rally, Vijay emphasised that his visit was meant to honour and remember the victims of the shocking disaster rather than to hold a celebration.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister levelled serious allegations against the law enforcement machinery, accusing them of deliberate mismanagement on the day of the incident. He stated that he had completely trusted the police administration at the time, unaware of the lapses that led to the tragedy.

"The police deliberately misled us on the day of the tragedy. If there was a law and order issue, the police had the full authority to cancel the meeting or block my vehicle. However, they took no such action and instead diverted me directly into the rally. I completely trusted the police and was unaware of the betrayal behind this," Vijay said during his address.

As part of the rehabilitation and support measures for the affected families, the Chief Minister distributed official government job appointment letters to the family members of 32 victims during the event. He concluded by reiterating his administration's commitment to supporting those who lost their livelihoods and loved ones in the disaster.