CM Vijay will overcome hurdles to meet Karur victims' kin: Minister R Nirmalkumar

CHENNAI: Accusing the DMK of repeatedly attempting to prevent Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay from visiting Karur, Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmalkumar on Tuesday (July 7) asserted that the Chief Minister would go ahead and meet the families affected by last year’s tragedy despite legal and political hurdles.

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat, Nirmalkumar said every attempt by the Chief Minister to reach Karur had been met with resistance. He alleged that when Vijay first sought to visit the district after the tragedy, venue owners were pressured not to provide space, and security concerns were cited to prevent the programme, forcing him to meet the affected families in Chennai nearly a month later.

“Even now, petitions are being filed immediately after the Chief Minister’s proposed visit is announced. Despite all these attempts, he will certainly visit Karur and personally meet the affected families,” the minister said.

Describing the Karur incident as a tragedy that the TVK could never forget, Nirmalkumar said the 41 affected families would continue to receive the government’s support. He said the party had decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the affected families, but petitions had been moved before the Supreme Court against the disbursal. “We are taking the necessary steps to distribute the assistance after obtaining the court’s permission,” he added.

Rejecting allegations of irregularities in the appointment of government pleaders, the minister said the recruitment process was conducted transparently and on a merit-based basis.

More than 5,000 applications had been received from across the State, with district collectors verifying qualifications and records before forwarding the names of eligible candidates.

Around 800 government pleaders would be appointed initially for six months, after which their performance in courts, professional conduct and police verification would be assessed before their appointments were confirmed, he said.

“There is absolutely no truth in allegations that money is being collected for these appointments. If anyone misuses my name or that of any minister to collect money, people should immediately lodge a complaint. Strict action will be taken without hesitation,” Nirmalkumar said, adding that a person accused of collecting money by using his name in the solar sector had been arrested within two days.

The minister also said the Chief Minister had instructed party functionaries not to conduct unauthorised inspections at government offices, hospitals and other public institutions. Elected representatives could visit schools in their constituencies to facilitate development works through MLA funds, but any interference in official administration or violation of established procedures would invite immediate disciplinary action, he added.

He also said complaints relating to corruption and irregularities in government works were being acted upon promptly, with cases registered wherever evidence warranted action.