Actor Vijay Challenges DMK at First Puducherry Rally Following Karur Stampede Tragedy

Puducherry:

During actor-politician Vijay's first outdoor public event since September's deadly Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives, a security incident occurred when authorities detained a man claiming to be from Tamil Nadu after discovering a revolver in his possession. The rally also marked Vijay's significant promise to the people of Puducherry.

Vijay's newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party is preparing for its electoral debut in next year's Tamil Nadu and Puducherry elections. During this first campaign rally in the union territory, he launched multiple criticisms against Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK party.

Referencing the Karur tragedy, Vijay praised Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy for providing 'full security' for his rally, stating, "It will be good if Tamil Nadu's DMK regime learns from impartial Puducherry government. They will, however, not learn now." He added confidently, "The DMK regime will 100 per cent learn their lesson in the election..."

This comment relates to the ongoing dispute between TVK and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regarding the Karur stampede. TVK has accused DMK of failing to provide adequate security measures, with Vijay previously claiming Chief Minister MK Stalin was 'taking revenge.' Meanwhile, DMK criticized Vijay for not adhering to police instructions before the incident, including his late arrival and vehicle parking decisions.

Puducherry police initially rejected Vijay's roadshow request due to concerns about narrow streets but later approved it with strict conditions, including limiting attendance to 5,000 people using party-issued QR codes. Approximately 800 police officers were deployed to maintain security.

The TVK and DMK appear positioned as fierce electoral rivals, with both parties explicitly ruling out any pre-election alliance. Vijay has refused partnerships with all established political entities, choosing to contest independently in his first electoral endeavor.

Vijay has publicly labeled the DMK his "political enemy" and the Bharatiya Janata Party his "ideological enemy." However, he has not applied such descriptions to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), fueling speculation about potential cooperation. Nevertheless, he has recruited expelled AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan, whose political influence and experience could strengthen TVK's electoral prospects.

During Tuesday's rally, Vijay advocated for Puducherry's statehood, arguing this status was essential for transforming the region into a 'leading industrial hub' and ensuring proper development.

He assured Puducherry residents of his unwavering support, declaring, "I will always stand with the people of Puducherry and, in the coming election, the flag of our party will surely fly here."

Addressing local concerns, Vijay highlighted issues with basic services: "Puducherry has no ration shops... the supply of rice and essential items should be streamlined." He also advocated for local fishermen who accidentally enter Sri Lankan waters and face arrest, insisting, "This must change." Vijay, who enjoys popularity across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala—all voting early next year—positioned himself as a champion for regional concerns.