Vijay Targets BJP, DMK At Karur Rally In Tamil Nadu Before Tragedy Strikes

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, addressing a massive gathering at his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, sharpened his attack on both the BJP and the DMK minutes before a deadly stampede broke out, leaving several people dead, including children.

Speaking to his supporters, Vijay made it clear that his fledgling party would chart an independent course in the state's political arena. "We will not be with the BJP. What is the BJP doing for Tamil Nadu? Have they stopped NEET? Have they done anything good for Tamil Nadu?" he asked, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Taking aim at the AIADMK-BJP alliance, Vijay said the people of Tamil Nadu had already seen through what he called their "ineffectiveness." He accused the ruling DMK of having a covert deal with the BJP, telling the crowd: "If you vote for the DMK, it's indirectly voting for the BJP. They may pretend they're rivals, but you should keep in mind that they're friends behind the scenes. In 2026, it will be a contest between the DMK and TVK. Do you want the worst DMK government to return?"

The remarks immediately drew a sharp response from DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan, who dismissed Vijay's charge as baseless. "The DMK has been working for every section of society with schemes that people are happy with. If somebody says there is an understanding between the BJP and DMK, people will laugh.

Only voting for the AIADMK is like voting for the BJP," he said. On TVK chief and actor Vijay's statement, State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran said, "He should first call Jayalalitha as Amma. In the silver jubilee celebration of the AIADMK party, BJP leader Adwani participated when the AIADMK and the BJP were in alliance. He doesn't know about the past history... It's a childish speech by Vijay... Has he contested in elections before? How can he speak at the world's biggest party?"

Political pundits opine this sparring highlights Vijay's growing prominence ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. But the rally will now be remembered for the tragedy that followed, casting a pall over TVK's expanding campaign.