The visit carries significant political and emotional importance. Vijay is expected to meet the families of those who lost their lives and announce welfare measures for the district. There is also speculation that some members of the bereaved families could be offered government employment, although no official confirmation has been issued.
The DMK had approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to restrain the Chief Minister and his ministers from making statements that could allegedly influence witnesses while the Central Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into the stampede. The petition was widely viewed as an attempt to prevent Vijay from targeting the DMK during his visit and public address in Karur.
The Supreme Court questioned the nature of the relief sought by the petitioner. The bench asked whether the court was expected to dictate how a Chief Minister should perform official duties or regulate the speeches and public visits of an elected leader. The court also pointed out that the Chief Minister was not an accused in the case.
Justice K. V. Viswanathan further questioned how the Supreme Court could issue directions curbing the speech of a political leader while an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation was already underway. He observed that the petitioner was effectively seeking an injunction on free speech.
The court also stated that judicial proceedings could not be used as a platform for political objectives. Following these observations, the DMK withdrew its petition.
Political tensions surrounding the Karur stampede have intensified in recent days. Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna recently stated that there remained an "unsettled score" over the tragedy. Since the incident, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has consistently accused senior DMK leader and former minister Senthil Balaji of orchestrating the stampede in collusion with sections of the police. Senthil Balaji has denied all allegations.
In a separate development, the Chennai Police has registered a case alleging that individuals linked to Senthil Balaji and his brother attempted to bribe Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Member of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Ilayaraja with up to Rs 35 crore to vote against the government in a proposed resolution concerning the Speaker.
The DMK has alleged that the case is an attempt to facilitate Senthil Balaji's arrest ahead of Vijay's Karur visit. At least eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, while Senthil Balaji and his brother have sought anticipatory bail.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is conducting the stampede investigation, has questioned Vijay twice in Delhi. Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Police alleged that the tragedy resulted from multiple lapses, including Vijay's delayed arrival at the venue, which allegedly allowed the crowd to grow far beyond the permitted capacity. The police also cited inadequate arrangements for drinking water, food, and sanitation facilities.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has rejected these allegations, maintaining that the tragedy resulted from administrative failures and accusing the police of attempting to shift responsibility onto the party.
Friday's visit is also politically significant because Vijay faced criticism after the stampede for returning to Chennai without visiting the injured survivors or the families of those who lost their lives. He later invited the affected families to Chennai, explaining that he wanted to avoid further confusion and law-and-order concerns immediately after the disaster.
None of the affected families filed complaints against Vijay or the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam alleging lapses or negligence.
With the Supreme Court declining to intervene and the Central Bureau of Investigation continuing its independent investigation, Vijay's visit is expected to mark a politically significant return to Karur nearly ten months after the tragedy that has continued to cast a shadow over his party and Tamil Nadu politics.
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