Vijay Returns to Campaign Trail, Slams DMK for 'Loot, Dynasty Politics' Amid Karur Stampede Fallout

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay has resumed his campaign for the 2026 Assembly election, nearly two months after a deadly stampede at his rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, claimed the lives of 41 people. In his first public rally since the tragedy, Vijay lashed out at the ruling DMK, accusing it of 'loot and dynasty politics.' According to reports, Vijay emphasized that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhgam (TVK), has a solid ideological foundation, focusing on equality and social justice. He ridiculed the DMK for making empty promises, such as abolishing NEET, and instead advocating for shifting education to the state list in the Constitution. The rally, held at an indoor auditorium in Kanchipuram district, drew a crowd of thousands, many of whom were left injured in the chaotic aftermath of the Karur stampede on September 27. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a 'stampede-like crush' that occurred when the crowd surged towards the stage, causing a suffocating rush that led to several people fainting. The district administration had initially estimated a crowd of 30,000, but local reports suggested that nearly 60,000 people attended the rally, which had been relocated from central Karur due to concerns over congestion and traffic risks. Vijay's return to the campaign trail comes amid calls for greater accountability and safety measures at public events in the wake of the Karur tragedy. As the 2026 Assembly election draws near, the focus will be on how the parties handle the aftermath of this tragic incident and ensure the safety of their supporters.