BJP Reaches Out to Vijay's TVK Party Following Karur Stampede: Strategic Alignment for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections

New Delhi:

Sources indicate the BJP has established communication with South superstar Vijay's party following the Karur stampede, suggesting strategic efforts to leverage the actor's substantial fan base for improving their position in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. According to these sources, a senior BJP leader has assured the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership that Vijay will receive support if unfairly targeted by the DMK.

The BJP has reportedly communicated to TVK their shared interest in challenging the DMK, advising Vijay to remain patient as he navigates the aftermath of the stampede crisis that has created uncertainty regarding his future political rallies. Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed gratitude to political leaders who offered support.

In addition to the BJP, the Congress has also reached out to TVK, suggesting that national parties perceive this as an opportunity to establish presence in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK.

These political developments must be viewed within the context of Tamil Nadu's evolving political dynamics. While Vijay had previously announced TVK would compete independently in the 2026 elections, recent events may influence his strategic approach.

Jay Panda, newly appointed Tamil Nadu in-charge, is scheduled to visit the state on October 6 to meet with senior party leaders and office bearers.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai was in Delhi today briefing party leadership about the Karur stampede and its potential consequences.

The BJP leadership anticipates anti-incumbency sentiment against the DMK in upcoming elections and aims to consolidate opposition votes, with particular attention to TVK.

Following the September 27 stampede, the BJP-led NDA promptly sent a delegation to Karur. The BJP has consistently criticized the DMK government for alleged mismanagement leading to 41 deaths, arguing that TVK cannot bear sole responsibility.

While the DMK has directed blame entirely toward TVK, other political entities have notably adopted a more lenient stance toward Vijay, with the NDA particularly emphasizing that the MK Stalin-led government cannot evade responsibility as the elected administration.

The BJP's analysis suggests that TVK could significantly influence voters and emerge as an important political force before the elections, attributable to Vijay's oratorical skills and popularity. They also anticipate voters might shift allegiance from smaller parties like DMDK and NTK toward TVK.

However, the BJP is proceeding cautiously to avoid disrupting its alliance with AIADMK. The party believes that combined with AIADMK's organizational strength, Vijay could provide crucial momentum to the NDA's ambitions in South India.

The September 27 stampede resulted in 41 fatalities, with police reports indicating an attendance of 27,000 people, nearly triple the expected 10,000 participants. Police attributed the tragedy to a seven-hour delay by Vijay, while his party has alleged that police lathi-charge triggered the stampede. The Madras High Court has formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident.