Bravo, Mr. Chief Minister. It seems the praise is deserved, though perhaps not for the right reasons. You are no longer just an actor; you are the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Recently, you granted government jobs to 32 individuals whose family members lost their lives in a stampede during a rally held in Karur. The incident, which occurred on September 27, was a harrowing tragedy that shook everyone. Among the deceased were elderly people, children, and youths who were all ardent fans of yours. However, this rally was organized by you, and the responsibility for its management rested solely on your shoulders.
Your Wealth vs. Public Accountability
The core issue remains: if the rally was yours, why was compensation not paid out of your personal funds? According to the election affidavit submitted by C Joseph Vijay, your net worth is an estimated 624 crore. Your assets include immovable property worth 220 crore, real estate holdings of 115 crore, and commercial properties valued at 82.8 crore. You possess 22 crore in non-agricultural land, with plots in locations like Kodaikanal. Your bank deposits stand at 313 crore, and your vehicle collection is worth 13.52 crore. Additionally, you hold 883 grams of gold and 20 lakh in stock investments, with an annual income of 184 crore. Given this immense financial capacity, why is the state treasury being used to cover the costs of your personal negligence?
Interfering with the Ongoing Investigation
This tragic incident is currently being investigated by the CBI under orders from the Supreme Court. Providing government jobs to the victims' families at this juncture raises serious concerns about whether this move is intended to influence witnesses. If family members are beneficiaries of a government job provided by you, it creates a conflict of interest that could potentially prevent them from testifying against the organizers of the rally. This action casts a shadow over the impartiality of the judicial process.
Misuse of Executive Authority
While a Chief Minister possesses the authority to grant jobs on compassionate grounds, public service, or for sports achievements, these provisions are typically intended for freedom fighters' families or victims of natural disasters. The Karur tragedy was not a natural occurrence; it was a man-made disaster caused by gross mismanagement. As the primary figure behind this event, you should bear the burden of compensation. Occupying the Chief Minister's office does not grant you the right to misappropriate state resources to rectify your own errors. What about the millions of hardworking youths who toil endlessly for the hope of a single government position? Why should their opportunities be diverted to compensate for victims of a tragedy for which you are held accountable?
