Image from X
Actor Vijay Makes Strong Political Return in Erode Rally
Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay made a high-profile political return on Thursday, addressing a large rally in Erode, Tamil Nadu, in what was his first major public campaign event in the state since the Karur crowd crush tragedy in September 2025. The gathering marked a renewed push in Vijay’s campaign ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Rally Highlights and Political Message
At the Erode meeting, Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, launched fierce criticism of the ruling DMK, describing it as an “evil force” and casting his TVK as a “pure force” offering an alternative political vision. He touched on issues including governance, law and order, and education policy as part of his speech to supporters. The rally took place near the hometown of senior politician K.A. Sengottaiyan, who recently joined TVK after leaving the AIADMK.
Context of the Karur Tragedy
The Erode event was significant as it came after the deadly Karur stampede on September 27, 2025, at a TVK rally where a crowd surge resulted in dozens of deaths. That incident had paused Vijay’s campaigning and sparked questions about rally safety. Erode represented a return to large-scale public political meetings under careful organisation, reflecting TVK’s determination to continue its statewide campaign.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
With just months to go before the state polls, Vijay’s rally in Erode signals his intent to position TVK as a key challenger to established parties. Analysts say his approach seeks to reshape political narratives in Tamil Nadu by appealing directly to voters with emotionally charged messaging and drawing contrasts with the DMK and other rivals as the election season heats up.
