Actor-turned-politician Vijay made a striking return to Tamil Nadu’s political stage on Thursday, headlining a rally in Erode district – his first in the state since the Karur stampede on September 27 that claimed 41 lives. At the rally, Vijay sharply attacked the ruling DMK, calling it "evil," while portraying his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as "pure."
Vijay criticized the DMK on multiple fronts, including law and order issues and the controversy over Tamil Nadu seeking exemption from the NEET exam. "DMK and problems are attached… like Fevicol. They can’t be separated," he said.
The rally was strategically held near Erode district, historically a Dravidian stronghold and the birthplace of social reformer EV Ramasamy, also known as Periyar. Senior politician K Sengottaiyan, recently expelled from the AIADMK, joined Vijay’s TVK last month, boosting the party’s political credibility.
Authorities have implemented extensive security measures for the rally, with over 1,300 police personnel deployed to manage a crowd expected to reach 35,000. The ground has been divided into 72 sections, with strict restrictions on pregnant women, children, and those with physical disabilities. Attendees have also been warned against bursting firecrackers, climbing structures, or approaching power infrastructure.
Vijay’s TVK is making its electoral debut in the next Assembly election, aiming to challenge both the DMK and BJP without forming any pre-poll alliances. Analysts note Vijay faces a dual challenge: breaking into a political landscape long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK, and overcoming criticism over his delayed response to the Karur tragedy.
With his star power and strategic alliances, Vijay seeks to follow in the footsteps of former Tamil Nadu actor-politicians like MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, hoping to establish a new force in the state’s political arena.
