Actor-turned-politician Vijay marked a significant moment in his political journey on Thursday by addressing a large public gathering in Erode district, his first major rally in Tamil Nadu since the tragic stampede incident in Karur that claimed 41 lives in September. The event signaled a renewed push by Vijay as he prepares his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), for its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
During his address, Vijay adopted an assertive tone, positioning his party in direct opposition to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He framed the upcoming political contest as a moral confrontation, portraying the DMK as a negative force while projecting TVK as a movement rooted in integrity and reform. His speech was deliberately brief, ending with repeated appeals for calm and safe dispersal, reflecting heightened sensitivity following recent events.
Direct Attack on Governance and Policy
Vijay strongly criticised the DMK government on issues such as public safety, law and order, and education policy, particularly the ongoing controversy surrounding Tamil Nadu’s demand for exemption from the NEET examination. He accused the ruling party of being inseparably linked to governance failures, suggesting systemic issues rather than isolated lapses.
The actor-politician has consistently identified the DMK as his principal political opponent, a stance he reiterated at the rally. His remarks underscored TVK’s intention to position itself as a distinct alternative rather than a peripheral force in state politics.
Strategic Importance of Erode Rally
The choice of Erode as the venue carried both symbolic and strategic weight. The rally was held close to Vijayamangalam, the hometown of veteran politician KA Sengottaiyan, who recently joined TVK after his expulsion from the AIADMK. Sengottaiyan, widely regarded as a seasoned organiser and electoral tactician, is expected to play a key role in shaping TVK’s campaign strategy.
Erode and the broader western Tamil Nadu region are historically considered strongholds of Dravidian politics. The area is closely associated with social reformer E V Ramasamy (Periyar), whose ideological legacy continues to influence the state’s political discourse. Vijay’s appearance in this region is widely viewed as an attempt to establish ideological credibility and connect with long-standing Dravidian political sentiments.
Heightened Security After Karur Tragedy
Given the backdrop of the Karur stampede, authorities implemented extensive security arrangements for the rally. Over 1,300 police personnel were deployed to manage an estimated crowd of around 35,000 people. The venue was segmented into 72 designated enclosures, each capped at 500 attendees, to prevent overcrowding.
Strict restrictions were enforced, including a ban on firecrackers, processions, and following Vijay’s convoy. Certain groups — including pregnant women, individuals with infants, and persons with physical disabilities — were advised not to attend. Access to nearby rooftops, trees, and sensitive power infrastructure was also prohibited to avoid potential hazards.
Political Fallout From the Stampede
The Karur incident continues to cast a shadow over Vijay’s campaign. In the aftermath, the DMK government and TVK exchanged sharp accusations. Vijay alleged inadequate security arrangements, while the state administration countered that organisers failed to comply with police instructions, leading to the deadly crowd surge.
The issue has remained politically sensitive, with both sides facing scrutiny over accountability and crisis response.
Electoral Landscape and Challenges Ahead
Erode district comprises eight Assembly constituencies, most of which are currently held by the DMK, with the AIADMK and BJP maintaining a limited presence. Gobichettipalayam, a long-time AIADMK bastion and Sengottaiyan’s political base, is expected to be a critical test for TVK. A strong performance there would significantly boost Vijay’s political credibility.
As TVK prepares for its first Assembly election, Vijay is attempting to follow a path once taken by iconic Tamil cinema figures MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, both of whom successfully transitioned from film to political leadership. However, breaking into a political arena long dominated by the DMK–AIADMK rivalry presents a formidable challenge.
TVK has already clarified that it views both the DMK and the BJP as ideological adversaries and has ruled out any pre-election alliances, signalling an intention to contest independently and build its identity from the ground up.
Looking Ahead
Vijay’s re-entry into active campaigning marks a decisive phase for TVK. While public enthusiasm remains high, the coming months will test whether star power, organisational strength, and ideological positioning can translate into electoral success in Tamil Nadu’s deeply entrenched political landscape.