TVK Authorizes Vijay to Decide Political Alliances for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections at First Meeting Since Karur Tragedy

Chennai:

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) conducted its first General Council meeting in Mamallapuram following the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. The council passed 12 resolutions, with the most notable being the authorization for party president and film star Vijay to determine political alliances for Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections.

The proceedings commenced with a solemn tribute to the Karur victims, with the party attributing the disaster to "unimaginable security failures" and suggesting potential conspiracy elements behind the tragedy.

TVK criticized the ruling DMK government regarding women's safety issues, specifically referencing the Coimbatore student sexual assault incident, while demanding severe punishment for those responsible. The party also rebuked the Central government for its ineffectiveness in preventing Sri Lankan Navy's arrest of Indian fishermen.

Directing criticism toward the BJP-led central government, TVK opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, deeming it inappropriate while a case remains pending in the Supreme Court. The party warned against potential voter disenfranchisement, drawing parallels to similar voter deletions in Bihar.

On administrative matters, TVK accused the DMK government of mismanaging paddy procurement, claiming 20 lakh tonnes of produce were damaged by rainfall in the delta region. The party also criticized Chennai's incomplete Rs 4,000-crore stormwater drainage project, stating that the northeast monsoon had revealed inadequate planning, unauthorized constructions, and insufficient flood preparedness.

The party voiced opposition to a private multi-story construction reportedly approved in a Ramsar wetland in Chennai, a project currently suspended by the Madras High Court.

Additional resolutions called for enhanced security for individuals meeting Vijay, condemned alleged social media "defamation" by DMK's IT division, and accused the government of arresting critics and social activists who exposed governmental shortcomings. TVK requested a comprehensive report on investments, employment, and foreign direct investment under DMK leadership. The party also criticized what it termed "silent allies of the DMK and a silent media."

Actor Vijay, who has identified DMK as his political opponent and BJP as his ideological adversary, has explicitly ruled out any alliance with BJP. His previous silence regarding AIADMK had generated speculation about potential collaboration with the Dravidian party. Attention now focuses on his upcoming speech, which may provide clarity regarding alliances and the resumption of his previously suspended statewide tour.

The ruling DMK has stated that police have taken prompt action against perpetrators and committed to expediting trials for swift justice.

BJP has refuted allegations of any conspiracy regarding SIR implementation.