A deadly stampede at a political gathering has placed actor-turned-politician Vijay under intense scrutiny, raising questions about crowd management and his fledgling political career.
A political rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district ended in catastrophe on Saturday when 40 people lost their lives in a crowd crush. The incident occurred as massive throngs gathered to hear Vijay, a celebrated film actor who recently entered politics, deliver a campaign speech.
The disaster has ignited fierce debate over responsibility. Opposition parties have pointed fingers at government authorities, claiming inadequate police deployment failed to manage the enormous turnout. Law enforcement officials counter that Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party severely miscalculated attendance numbers and implemented insufficient safety measures.
From Silver Screen to Political Stage
At 51, Vijay stands as one of Tamil Nadu’s most beloved cinema stars, with a career spanning multiple decades. Despite critical pans, his films consistently dominate box offices, demonstrating his extraordinary commercial appeal.
Born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar into a film family—his father directed movies, his mother sang—he began acting as a child. His first leading role came in 1992’s “Naalaiya Theerpu,” a commercial failure that nevertheless established his on-screen identity as a problem-solver for Tamil Nadu’s challenges.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, Vijay built his reputation through romantic comedies and action films. His dancing abilities particularly captivated audiences. Blockbusters like “Ghilli” (2004), “Pokkiri” (2007), “Thuppakki” (2012), and “Kaththi” (2014) cemented his superstar status, earning him the fan-given title “Ilaya Thalapathy” (Young Commander).
His star power has reached such heights that even critically derided films like “Beast” (2022) and “The Greatest of All Time” (2024) rake in massive revenues. Following “Beast’s” success, one publication noted that Vijay’s fame enables even his “most unimaginative” projects to generate over 2 billion rupees ($22.5 million) globally.
The Political Gambit
Though speculation about Vijay’s political ambitions had swirled for years—particularly after his fan club’s strong showing in 2021 local elections—his announcement to abandon acting still surprised many. His upcoming film “Jana Nayagan” will mark his final on-screen appearance.
This career pivot follows a well-worn path in South India, where cinema celebrities frequently leverage their fame for political gain. Tamil Nadu’s history is rich with such transitions.
The template was set by MG Ramachandran (MGR), who joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1962 during his acting peak. After splitting from the DMK in 1972, he founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and governed Tamil Nadu as chief minister from 1977 until his death in 1987.
His frequent co-star, the late J Jayalalithaa, replicated this success, eventually leading the AIADMK and serving six terms as chief minister.
However, stardom doesn’t guarantee political victories. Kamal Haasan, despite appearing in over 200 films, has yet to secure a single legislative seat since launching his party in 2018. Rajinikanth, another Tamil cinema giant, ultimately abandoned his political plans in 2020.
Analysts suggest that celebrity-backed parties often struggle due to limited grassroots infrastructure and organizational inexperience.
Since establishing his party last year, Vijay has attracted enormous crowds, with supporters eager for photographs and face-time with the star. Critics, however, question his political credentials and accuse him of offering vague policy positions.
Aftermath and Accountability
Crowd disasters at Indian political events occur with troubling frequency, typically triggering disputes over culpability.
Vijay’s supporters claim authorities denied them access to a more appropriate venue. Government representatives dispute this, asserting the party approved the location.
Despite calls for Vijay’s arrest, the DMK-led state government appears to be proceeding carefully, mindful of his massive following. Chief Minister MK Stalin has established a single-member inquiry commission to investigate the incident, promising action within two months of receiving its findings.
The TVK party has petitioned the Madras High Court for a federal investigation, with proceedings scheduled for Monday.
Vijay has faced criticism for not yet visiting injured survivors or families of the deceased. In a statement, he described himself as “shattered” and pledged financial assistance to those affected.
Whether this tragedy will diminish his popularity or derail his political aspirations remains uncertain.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
