Karur: Extensive preparations are underway in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu ahead of a public interaction programme on Friday, which is set to be attended by the state's Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay.

The Chief Minister will participate in the event on Friday morning at the Atlas Kalai Arangam Grounds near Vennamalai. During the programme, Vijay will personally distribute government employment appointment orders to the legal heirs of some of the 41 people who died in the Karur tragedy.

The deaths occurred on 27 September 2025, when a fatal stampede broke out during a TVK public outreach rally in Karur whilst Vijay, a former actor turned politician, was campaigning.

Organisers have erected a massive marquee spanning nearly 10 acres, designed to accommodate around 5,000 spectators. Comprehensive security and event management measures have been implemented, including the installation of iron barricades encircling the venue.

To mark the occasion, party flags and promotional flex banners have been put up along all primary routes leading to the site. Additionally, authorities have coordinated the distribution of QR code-enabled identity cards to regulate entry for all 5,000 registered participants.

Following the initial event, the Chief Minister will travel to the District Collectorate in Thanthoni Malai to distribute various state welfare assistance packages.

Vijay is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a new private non-leather footwear manufacturing facility in the Vanavasi Panchayat, located within Karur's Krishnarayapuram Panchayat Union. The industrial project represents an estimated investment of Rs 17,000 million.

As part of the day's administrative proceedings, the Chief Minister will also hand out compassionate grounds job appointments to 32 individuals, securing them employment across various state government departments.

A heavy police presence has been deployed to secure all event venues, with political banners and flags displayed throughout the district to welcome the Chief Minister.

However, the security arrangements have drawn criticism from local businesses. Iron barricades have been positioned along the left side of the main road running from the Thirukampuliyur Bypass to the District Collectorate. Local shop owners have complained that these barriers severely restrict access to their commercial premises, making it difficult for customers to enter.

With inputs from ANI